David Lawrence Cook

David Lawrence Cook

1932-2010

SYRACUSE - David Lawrence Cook passed away on Sunday, November 7, 2010 at his home. He spent the last several weeks tenderly cared for by his loving wife and family at his life-long home in Syracuse, Utah.

He was a man of integrity and exemplified the meaning of hard work. Lawrence was a devoted husband, and wonderful father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, educator, farmer, religious leader and friend.

He was born December 23, 1932 the son of David Ernest and Chloe Ireta Steed Cook. Lawrence was raised on a farm and learned to work hard at a very early age. He attended Syracuse Elementary, North Davis Junior High, and Davis High School. He married his eternal sweetheart, Cleone Barber, June 18, 1953 in the Salt Lake Temple. Shortly after they were married he accepted a LDS mission call to Southern California from 1954-1956. Upon returning from his mission he was drafted into the Army and served honorably.

He graduated from the University of Utah and began teaching school in 1959. His father passed away two years later and he took over the responsibilities of the family farm. He took great pride in farming, continuing the legacy of his grandfather who plowed the first furrow in Syracuse. Lawrence later obtained a Master''s degree in Education from Utah State University.

Lawrence was an educator for many years and was a dedicated secular and religious leader throughout his life. He was a school teacher, counselor, and administrator for many years and was the principal of Clearfield High School until 1987. He served on the Davis Hospital Board for many years. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and faithfully served in many capacities including bishop, stake president, patriarch, and Ogden Temple ordinance worker. Later in life he was able to serve a mission with his wife in Hawaii.

He was a great neighbor and friend to many and was loved and respected by all.

Lawrence is survived by his wife, Cleone Barber Cook, four sons: David (Teresa) Cook, Dale (Kathleen) Cook, Carl (Shauna) Cook, Keith (Kerin) Cook; four daughters: Carol (Ross) Thurgood, Colleen Harris, Julianne (David) Griffin, Kristie (John) Nelson; 37 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, sisters: Winifred Harmston, Nelva (Wendell) Hansen, brother-in-laws: Joseph Simpson and Lewis Briggs.

Preceded in death by his parents, baby daughter Connie Cook, granddaughter Michelle Thurgood, sisters: June Briggs, Fanny Marie Cook, Louise Simpson.

Funeral services will be held Friday, November 12, 2010 at 11 a.m. at the Syracuse 1st Ward Chapel, 700 South 2500 West, Syracuse, UT. Friends may visit family Thursday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary 1867 North Fairfield Road and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Syracuse City Cemetery.

He loved his grandchildren and would often say, "Give the grandkids a hug and tell them that I love them".