Gail Lynn Cook

Gail L. Cook, 72, of North Vernon, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on September 8, 2016, at Indiana University hospital.

He was born in Fort Worth, Texas on June 29, 1944, to James Martin and Donna Belle Cook and grew up in Plymouth, Indiana. He married Patricia “Patty” Biehle on June 8, 1968, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in North Vernon.

Gail studied Wildlife Management at Purdue University and received a degree in Business Administration from IU Southeast. He loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman who especially liked to fish the Boundary Waters between Minnesota and Canada. He also was an Indiana Master Naturalist. Gail was a Communications Technician in the Navy during the Vietnam war and worked in Naval Security.

He was active in several local organizations and was President of the Rotary Club of North Vernon. Gail also was past President of the Jaycees of North Vernon, and the Purchasing Management Association of Seymour. He taught CPR and First Aid for 35 years and also was a First Responder Instructor. He was a Purchasing Manager for several different companies and retired from Biehle Systems, Inc. in April 2012. He coached or umpired softball games for over 30 years.

His greatest love was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-granddaughter. He relished breakfasts on Saturday with his grandkids and family trips to Clifty Falls. He also deeply loved his dogs.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Patty, and daughters, Dara (Kevin) Dougherty of North Vernon, Danene (Donnie) Pifer of Seymour and Danette (Tom) Kirchner of North Vernon; sister, Carol Jean Barlund of Texas; grandchildren Kayla Cox, Chelsea (Justin) Estes, Colton Pifer, Dani Kirchner, Adam Dougherty, Matt Kirchner, Bryce Kirchner and Caleb Dougherty; great-granddaughter Lillian Estes. He is also survived by two step-grandchildren and four step great-grandchildren.

Gail was preceded in death by his parents and brother, James R. Cook.

Memorials may be made through the funeral home to St. Vincent DePaul.

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