Henry P. Cook, Sr.

Henry P. Cook, age 79 of Hobart passed away February 24, 2011. He was born in Gary, IN on Mary 24, 1931 to Henry and Mildred (Costello) Cook and graduated from William A. Wirt High School in 1949. Henry married Carol B. Hammond on October 27, 1950. Henry is survived by four children Henry (Kristine) Cook, Jr. of Hebron, Karen (Tim) Candiano of Valparaiso, William (Becky) Cook of Kouts and Robert (Ronda) Cook of Valparaiso; 10 grandchildren Danielle (Ryan) Burton, Brandon (Melissa) Cook, Candace (Jason) Kosloske, Derek (Sharon) Kovats, Mike (Lauren) Candiano, Matt Candiano , Christina Cook, Rachelle Cook, Amy Cook and Ashley Cook; 2 great-grandchildren Keira Candiano and Lucas Cook; sister Fae Wewe and brother John Cook. Henry also leaves behind his devoted lifetime friend and business partner Robert “Pat” Murphy. Henry loved the dunes of Miller Beach and spent his youth roaming them by foot or on horseback. He was a veteran and proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard protecting the New England coastline during the Korean War. He was a 50-year member of American Legion Post 279 in Miller Beach. After his discharge from the military, Henry spent a number of years as a teamster. However, he was an entrepreneur at heart and owned several successful businesses during his lifetime. In the 1960’s he co-owned Pat and Hank’s Tavern with locations in Gary and Miller Beach. During the 1970’s and early ‘80’s, Henry was a co-owner of the Beer Barrel Tap in Merrillville. For many years, he and Carol also co-owned and operated Cook’s Egg Ranch in Hobart. Henry ended his work career with 10 years of service as an attendant for the Indiana Toll Road. Known as “Happy Hank” to the regulars who traveled his stretch of highway, Henry was respected for his contributions to the unionization of the Toll Road employees under AFSCME. Visitation will be Sunday, February 27, 2011 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 701 E. 7th St., Hobart, IN with an American Legion memorial service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 28 at 1 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home (Hobart) with Rev. John Starr officiating. Cremation to follow the service. In lieu of flowers and as Henry’s final tribute to the memory of his loving wife, Carol B. Cook, the family requests contributions to the Arthritis Foundation, www.arthritis.org. www.burnsfuneral.com

Henry P. Cook, Sr.

May 24, 1931 - February 24, 2011