Verne S. Cook, 84, of Pampa passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023. The family will hold private services at a later date.
Verne was born on September 16, 1939 in Gorman, TX to Zo and Frankie Cook. He moved to Olden, TX as a child, where he graduated from high school in 1958. Following high school, he moved to Stephenville to attend Tarleton State University. There, he met and married Betty Jean Lawson in 1961. He then attended the University of North Texas, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Education. They moved to Albuquerque, where he taught for a year, before settling in Pampa, where they resided for the next 61 years.
Verne worked as a teacher for Pampa High School for over 47 years, teaching leathercraft and later woodworking to so many students throughout the years. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing and camping with his family. He was a devoted Texas Longhorn fan and the whole neighborhood enjoyed the rivalry between him and his OU supporting daughter. Above all, Verne loved his family. He cherished the role of “Papa” to his 5 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Jean Cook of Pampa; 2 sons, James Cook and wife Pam of Pampa and Steven Cook and wife Pamela of Amarillo; 3 sisters, Barbara Frasier of Lubbock, Betty Ruth Russell and husband David of Borne, TX and Marsha Baxter and husband Kevin of Lubbock; 5 grandchildren, Jeffrey McElroy and wife Stephanie, Brandon McElroy and wife Jessica, James Matthew Clark and wife Taylor, Jonathan Cook and wife Noelle and JoBeth Harris and 11 great grandchildren.
Verne was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kathleen Cantrell and granddaughter, Carrie Harris.
