Earl Henry Cook Jr., age 98, of Clinton, MI, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Lynwood Manor in Adrian, MI, under the care of Hospice of Lenawee. He was born on July 9, 1927, in Tecumseh, MI, the son of the late Earl and Edna (Smith) Cook. Earl was first joined in marriage with Delores (Bly) Braun, who preceded him in death. Following her passing he married Marian Bridgeman, who also preceded him in death. His third wife, Joan Kravitz passed away on September 11, 2013.
Earl proudly served his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy, aboard the Kitty Hawk, and was a member of the Tecumseh VFW. He was the manager and owner of a bowling alley as well as a number of convenience stores. Earl loved bowling and watching horse racing, and was always up for a trip to the casino.
Earl is survived by his two sons, Douglas (Melanie) Cook of Hudson, MI, and Gregory Cook of Brooklyn, MI; his step-daughters, Karen (Scott) Cahow of St. Paul, MN, and Arlene (Josh Landsman) Olson of Watertown, MN; eleven grandchildren, Doug Jr., Jason, Alycia, Michele, Rachelle, Shane, Greg Jr., Steve, Tim, Chris, and Kaitlyn; and eighteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wives, parents, his son Earl, and his eight siblings.
A memorial visitation for Earl will take place on Saturday February 7, 2026 from 1pm-3pm at the Clinton Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes. A celebration of life will take place at 3pm that day with Steve Cook, Minister, and Stuart Proctor officiating.