Harold Wayne Cook, 75 was born July 26, 1948 at home in New Castle, Indiana and passed away Monday, May 6, 2024 at I.U. Ball Hospital Hospice and was then sent to the Anatomical Education Program at the I.U. School of Medicine.

He was the son of Delbert H. Cook and Ermon Cook Darling. Harold was married 52 years to Nancy Smith Cook and he is survived by three daughters, Laura E. Cook-Lechner ( Michael B. Lechner) of Tipton, IN, Jennifer R. Cook -Savage (Graham Savage) of Greenfield, IN, Carrie S. Cook-Picus (Jacob S. Picus) of Polsbo, WA. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Emma C. Lechner, Zachary R. Hughes, Carter G. Hughes, Liam F. Lechner, and Ziva D. Picus..

Harold was a 1966 graduate of New Castle Chrysler High school and immediately went to work at Indiana Bell Telephone Company. Shortly after his hiring he proudly joined the United States Navy and served as a U.S. Navy Corpsman in Guam. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy he returned to Indiana Bell Telephone, where he continued from Lineman to Outside Design Engineer for a career of 34 years. After retirement they moved to Sullivan’s Island, S.C., and after returning to Henry County, Indiana he found his retirement dream job at Summit Lake State Park as “The Boat Man,” where he enjoyed nature and delighted in talking to families about their adventures in the park.

He was a kind, compassionate, curious and empathic person, who’s public volunteer service in various offices with the Telephone Pioneers of America and Blountsville Lions Club allowed him to serve his community. He had a special place in his heart for those who could not provide for themselves and a sense of duty to look after them.

He was preceded in death by his father, Delbert Cook, his stepfather, Eugene Darling, his mother Ermon Darling, an infant brother Willie G. Cook and an infant son, Christopher W. Cook.

Family and friends may gather for a celebration of life on July 26, 2024 in Summit Lake State Park at Sunset Shelter at 5 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Harold Cook Choose Henry Fund at the Henry County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 6006, New Castle, IN or NCHC Public Library, 376 S. 15th St. New Castle, IN 47362.