Carlos H. Cook Jr.
95, Columbia
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, at Colonial Funeral Home Chapel for Carlos H. Cook Jr., 95, of Columbia, who passed from this life into God’s presence on Sunday, Feb. 23. Burial followed in Woodlawn Cemetery. Dr. Bryant Barnes officiated at the services. Visitation was held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, and from 11 a.m. until the time of the services on Friday, Feb. 28, at Colonial Funeral Home.
He was born in Mt. Olive and moved to Columbia in 1931 at the age of two. He attended Columbia Public Schools. In high school he was a member of the varsity football team and tennis team. He was proud to serve as Staff Sargent in the U.S. Air Forces Strategic Air Command with the 4th Division. During his time in the Air Force, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Mary Louise Portero. After his time in the Air Force, he became a partner in Cook’s Garage and owner in 1958. He loved talking to and laughing with his customers until his retirement in 2000. He was also a mason.
He was a godly man with a strong faith and love for the Lord and his family. He put his commitment to God into action by serving as Deacon at First Baptist Church where he became Deacon Emeritus, teaching junior high boys in Sunday School, driving the church bus for youth trips and supporting various programs in the church. His wife and two children were the delight of his heart. Known for his caring spirit, he believed in helping those in need. He also loved water sports. Many summer weekends were spent with family and friends at Lake Columbia skiing and fishing. He taught many of the boys in his Sunday School class how to ski.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Mary Louise Cook; and his parents, Carlos H. Cook Sr. and Lorena Miller Cook.
Survivors include his daughter, Toni Cook; son, Carl Cook; sister, Vera Louise Thurman of Lake Sherwood, Mo.; four grandchildren, Grace Cook, Crystal Ham (Ryan), L.J. Slocum (Melanie) and Dee Dee Slocum; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Trey Carley, Johnny Holbrook, Jason Ladner, Todd Watts, Dr. Tom Watts and Chuck Whitehead. Honorary
pallbearers are the First Baptist Church Senior Men’s Sunday School Class.
Colonial Funeral Home was
entrusted with the
arrangements.
