Harold Gene Cook

1937 to Dennis and Daisy Cook. He grew up in McKinney until he entered high school at Riverside High School in Fort Worth. It was at Riverside that he met Patricia Walls who would eventually become his wife of 67 years. He ordained and licensed to preach at Riverside Baptist Church on September 7th, 1957. After finishing high school, He attended Texas Wesleyan University as well at Texas Christian University, where he received a B.S. in Education in 1966; Harold also received a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1973.

Harold began his ministry as a youth pastor at his home church, Riverside Baptist, from 1955-1958. From 1960-1970, he worked as the Coordinator of the C.V.A.E. Program at Haltom High School in Fort Worth. In 1970, he became the Pastor of First Baptist Church in Godley, TX and served there until 1977. From 1977-1992, Harold served as the Pastor of First Baptist Church in Taylor, TX. One of Harold’s greatest passions was sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through his mission work. He served as Chairman of Missions and various other high-level positions for Johnson Baptist Association, Williamson Baptist Association, and finally as Director of Mission for Falls/Independence/Robertson/Milam counties. Harold had many accomplishments related to his work with the church including, President of the Texas Baptist Directors of Missions, President of the Board of Directors for Highland Lakes Baptist Encampment, Member of the Texas Baptist Executive Board, and Chairman of the Nominating Committee for the Southern Baptist Convention.

Harold was preceded in death by his father, Dennis and his mother, Daisy, as well as his brothers Dennis Jr., R.C., Bob, Bill, Charles and his sister Kay. His precious daughter, Camille, was also waiting for him in Heaven.

Harold is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Patricia, as well two sons, Craig Cook, of Waco, TX; Chris Cook, and his wife Tami of Allen, TX; Brother Jerry Lynn Cook and his wife Ottile of Colleyville, TX, Sister Betty Sue McWilliams and her husband Larry of Fort Worth TX.

Harold was also blessed with grandsons Nicholaus Mokry and his fiancé Amanda, Nathan Mokry and his wife, Sara; Madison,Cook, Christian Cook, Sophie Painter, and Cole Painter and his wife Whitney. Harold also took great joy in his great grandchildren Samarin, Malerie, Olivia, Nick Jr., Chisum, Whitely, Max, Matthew, Milena, Salvador, Pedro, Natalie and Emma.

A special thanks to Nancy Craig for volunteering her time to help our Mom. You have become even more part of our family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the FBC missions fund in Harold’s honor.