Former Rochester businessman and Mayor Donald F. "Don" Cook, 87, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 4:30 PM on August 22 , 2018 at Life Care Center of Rochester.

On April 26 , 1931, Donald Frank Cook was born in Goshen. He was the son of George Clyde and Dorothy LaBelle McCloskey Cook.  As one of the six Cook children, growing up he shared his childhood with two sisters Joyce and Helen and three brothers Ed, Dick and Fred.

In Plymouth, on August 31 , 1952,  Don  married the love of his life Eileen Beyler. They have shared nearly 67 years of life's adventures.  From their union came 4 wonderful children: Wynne, Greg, Bob and Steve.  The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two more generations.

A successful  businessman, Don established the Cook Brothers Furniture Store operating from the Main Street at 7th Street location for more than a half century.  He was a vibrant member of the Fulton County Democrat party and served as city council for 12 years.  In 1979 Don was elected Mayor of Rochester, serving our community for two terms.  Following his retirement, he enjoyed driving his Amish friends locally and to long distance locales to Delaware or Florida.

Don was a devoted member of the Grace United Methodist Church for more than 60 years.  He was a member of the Elks Lodge # 2120, past member of Kiwanis Club and played cards competitively including bridge, euchre and poker.  For many years Don owned a horse and enjoyed watching him run at the sulky races on the tracks near Chicago.  He also enjoyed playing the greens at the Elks or Mill Creek Golf Clubs.

As the patriarch of the Cook family, Grandpa Don was proud to oversee his legacy, four generations.  A true gentleman, possessing great charm he  always conveyed a warm greeting, gentle hug and signature smile to his friends and new acquaintances.

Left to cherish Don's memory are his wife, Eileen; a daughter, Wynne Wilson and husband Hal of Rochester;  three sons:  Greg Cook and wife Joan of Lexington, VA, Bob Cook of Clearwater, Fl, and Stephen Cook and companion Kris MacLain and her son Brayton of Kokomo; seven grandchildren: Amy Barton and husband Allen, Kyle Wilson and wife Lana, Taylor Wilson and wife Graci, Nikki Cook, Kevin Smith, Yvonne Cook, Matt Cook, Sarah Cook; six great-grandchildren: the Bartons, Hayla, Emily, Micah, Luke, and the Wilson's Parker and Piper; and a sister, Joyce Roseberry and husband Dave of Walkerton.

Preceding Don in death are his parents George and Dorothy Cook, sister Helen Lane, and the three Cook brothers: Ed, Dick and Fred.

A celebration of the life of Donald Frank Cook will be at 4:30 PM on Sunday, August 26 , 2018  in the Grace United Methodist Church, 201 West 7th St. Rochester.   Pastor Kerry O'Brien will officiate.  Friends may visit with the family from 2-4:30 PM in the church.

Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 701 Jefferson Street, Rochester, IN 46975