Keith L. Cook

January 7, 1927 - January 20, 2020

Keith L. Cook, 93, Elkhart, died 12:05 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, 2020 at Hubbard Hill Estates. He was born Jan. 7, 1927 in Elkhart County, to Floyd C. & Alice Myrtle (Wenger) Cook. On July 1, 1949 at the Jamestown UMC parsonage, he married Joan Kindig and faithfully cared for her until she died Feb. 10, 2009. Surviving are a daughter, Becky and husband Jim Ramp, a special friend, Lauraine Holycross, and nieces & nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents, wife, Joan, son, Kevin Cook, brothers, Gerald, Donald (who died at age 6), Daniel and James Cook and sisters, Margaret Love, Verna Squires and Elizabeth Wood. Keith was a 1945 graduate of Jimtown High School. May 8, 1945 he entered the U.S. Army during WWII and served in occupied Japan. After his honorable discharge he returned to Elkhart. Keith and Joan bought their farm in 1958, where he farmed until his retirement in 1991. He also worked at the Elkhart Foundry and drove a school bus for Baugo Community Schools. He was a faithful member of the Jamestown United Methodist Church, a life member of the American Legion, Wakarusa Post, a volunteer for Meals on Wheels from 1992-2014 and a member of the Baugo Lions Club since 1991. Keith was a very independent, strong-willed man who enjoyed helping others, playing euchre, gardening, shooting ground hogs, and especially driving just for the sake of driving. Everyone knew Keith’s loud and unmistakable whistle. He was a life-long fan and supporter of Jimtown athletic programs and rarely missed a game after he retired. He was also an avid baseball fan and especially loved the Cubs. He dearly missed his departed family members, especially his beloved mother, and looked forward to the day they could all be together again. Special thanks to the staff at Hubbard Hill who lovingly cared for Dad and helped him get the cows milked. Visitation will be 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020 at Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret-Lienhart Funeral Home, 117 W. Waterford St., Wakarusa, and one hour prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service on Monday, Jan. 27, 2020, at Jamestown United Methodist Church, 59218 CR 3, Elkhart. Pastor Steve Loft will officiate and burial will follow at Olive (East) Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Jimtown Historical Museum, 59710 CR 3, Elkhart, IN 46517, Jamestown United Methodist Church, 59218 CR 3, Elkhart, IN 46517 or Jimtown High School Athletic Dept., 59021 CR 3, Elkhart, IN 46517. Online condolences may be sent at www.rrefh.com