Mr. Gordon Joseph Cook, 97 of Lake City, passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at the VA Hospital in Lake City.  Mr. Cook was the oldest of 3 children to the late Charles and Mary Louise Powell Cook.  He was a self-made man who quit school in the 7th grade to help support his mother and two younger siblings.  Mr. Cook volunteered in 1942 at the age of 24 for the United States Navy and served as a salvage diver. He was the co-founder of Alert Refractories  and traveled extensively throughout the world on various jobs.  Mr. Cook was highly respected within his industry and by those whom worked for him.  He was a devoted family man and enjoyed telling stories to his grandchildren that helped make them the people they are today.  Mr. Cook made his home in Lake City since the late 1970's and was of the Episcopol faith.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Mable Cook, his daughter, Debra Cook Davis and his younger brother and sister.

Survivors include his son and daughter in law, Chad and Sandra Cook, Lake City; two grandchildren, Joseph Cook and Margo Kavalow; three great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; a very dear niece, Stephany McClamma, Tampa; a long time close and loyal friend, Jerry Barnes, White Springs.

Graveside funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 1-2:00 pm on Saturday, one hour prior to the service, at the funeral home.