Obituary of GySgt Dean M Cook USMC (Ret)

GySgt Dean Mansfield Cook, 74, USMC (Retired), peacefully went to be with the Lord on May 1, 2020, at his home in Wimauma, FL. Dean was born to Frank and Kathleen Cook, on December 7, 1945, in Wichita, Kansas. He was the youngest of three children following twin brothers; David L. Cook (1941-1998) and Dennis E. Cook. Dean completed his high school education in Wichita, Kansas at East High School. He proudly enlisted in United States Marine Corp in 1963 and completed two combat tours in Vietnam as an Infantryman retiring in 1985 after 22 years of faithful service. While enlisted he received the; National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Letter of Commendation, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Viet Nam Gallantry Cross, Combat Action Ribbon, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Naval Air Crewman Insignia. GySgt Cook also received two Purple Hearts due to his combat injuries during his service in Vietnam.

Dean’s greatest joy was his family and friends. While working at the Marine Corp Finance Center in Kansas City, Missouri Dean met the love of his life, his wife, Deborah P. Cook in 1982. They wed after an 8 month whirlwind romance and they celebrated 36 wonderful years of marriage. He delighted in his beloved children, sons, MSgt Frank W. Cook (Retired), married to Dana Cook; son, David E. Cook, married to Susan Eshleman-Cook; and, daughter, Jessica Ramphal, married to Vishal Ramphal; his much loved grandchildren Brittany E. Pierce, her husband, Deputy Gary L. Pierce, Mikaila V. Cook, and Teagan M. Gilmore; Great Grandchildren, Nicholas Pierce and Jamie Pierce.

He also leaves behind a lifelong friend and confidant; Connie Stevens-Lundell. Residing steadfast by his side were his nieces; Sarah J. Rockley and Pamela Sue Rockley Dorman and Nephew; Nathaniel O. Harris as well as Nephews, Dolan Cook and Donnie Cook. 

He was a faithful Christian Man of God and was a proud member of The First Baptist Church of Gibsonton. Dean positively touched many lives with his strong, generous, and high-spirited personality! He was a loving, supportive and caring man. Dean will be deeply missed but is in the presence of our Lord and Savior.  

Virtual services celebrating Dean’s life will be held on Friday, May 8, 2020, at 11:00 am at Sun City Center Funeral Home, with a viewing at 10:00 am, led by Pastor Malcolm “Mac” Clements. Military honors will be held at a later date.