David Cook

David Cook
Nov. 3, 1939 – June 19, 2021
David Wilson Cook, 81, of Ocean Springs, died June 19, 2021, in Pascagoula.
Cook was born Nov. 3, 1939, in Liberty to Lemon Wilson and Margaret Annette (Haynes) Cook. He graduated from Tylertown High School in 1957. He then attended Mississippi State University, earning three degrees culminating in 1966 with his Ph.D. in microbiology.
He was employed as the assistant director at Gulf Coast Research Laboratory from 1966 until his retirement in 1992. While at GCRL, he authored or co-authored approximately 53 publications in his field. In 1992, Dr. Cook took a supervisory position with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration where he worked until his retirement in 2003. At FDA, he authored or co-authored 12 publications and two textbook chapters. Dr. Cook was recognized nationally as an expert in seafood and food safety where his contributions to the field were valued by many.
During his retirement Dr. Cook enjoyed traveling and several hobbies. He was an avid gardener, growing roses for his wife of 60 years, Jane. He was also an accomplished potter. In the last several years, Dr. Cook became a well-known maker of exquisite wire wrap jewelry in Mississippi. Dr. Cook believed in serving his community and was an active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church where he served in many different capacities.
Survivors are his wife of 60 years, Jane Oglesby Cook; two sons, David Wilson (Sharlee) Cook, II of Ocean Springs; Lynwood Keith (Daniel Krajewski) Cook of Phoenix, AZ; two granddaughters, Daelyn Annette and Jordyn Leigh Cook of Ocean Springs; his brother, Billy Charles (Jimmie Nell) Cook of Grapevine, TX; two nieces, Elizabeth Edwards (Mark) of Peachtree City, GA, and Leslie Westerman (Tom) of Grapevine, TX.
Dr. Cook was preceded in death by his parents, L. W. and Annette Cook and his sister Margaret Vaughn Cook.
A celebration of life service was June 25, 2021, at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Ocean Springs, commendation and burial at Crestlawn Cemetery in Ocean Springs.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Dr. Cook’s memory to one of the following ministries:
St. Paul United Methodist Church
• Attn: Backpack Buddies
800 Porter Ave
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
• The Lord is My Help
1205 Desoto Street
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home in Ocean Springs was in charge of the arrangements.