Bernie Joe Cook, 76, of Beaumont, passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2009. He was born September 27, 1932 in Clyde, TX. He married Laura Weber Cook on June 14, 1958 in Port Arthur, TX and then moved to Beaumont. Bernie was a graduate of Lamar University with a degree in Business Administration.
After graduation, he worked in the accounting department of United Gas Pipeline for eleven years and then worked at Lamar University as Property Manager for twenty-eight years until his retirement in 1997.
Bernie was an outstanding athlete and attended Lamar University on a football scholarship. Throughout his work career, he continued his interest in sports by officiating basketball and football games at area high schools. He served as president of the Southwest Football Officials Association. His hobbies were hunting, fishing, and playing golf.
He was a long-time active member of First United Methodist Church and the Questers Sunday School class. He served as a director of the Lamar University Ex-Students Association and as a director of Sabine Oaks Nursing Home.
Bernie is survived by his wife of 51 years, Laura Weber Cook, of Beaumont; his son, Michael August Cook, of Beaumont; and his granddaughter, Danielle August Cook, of Beaumont. He is also survived by his brother Gene Cook and his wife, Vicki, of Clyde, TX; sisters, Betty Cook Freeman of Burleson, TX and Beth Cook Watts and her husband, Harroll Watts of Rowlett, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.
We have many people to thank for their kindness, support, and care during Bernie's illness. We particularly recognize his long-time friend, Dr. Harold Steward.
A gathering of Bernie's family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2009 at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont. Funeral services celebrating Bernie's life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at First United Methodist Church at 701 Calder in Beaumont. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery at 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church at 701 Calder, Beaumont, TX 77701 or the Lamar University Athletic Development Office, c/o Lamar University, PO Box 10066, Beaumont, TX 77710.