Ralph R. Cook, 76, of Muncie, IN died Monday March 15, 2010 at Morrison Woods in Muncie. He was born on August 22, 1933 the son of Ralph and Emma (Caroll) Cook. On June 9, 1956 at the Eden United Church of Christ he married Patricia (Burt) Cook.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He graduated from Griffith High School in 1952 and also received a Masters Degree from Ball State University. He was a member of the Ball State Football and Track squads for three years in the 1950''s. He played on the Wabash College undefeated football team in 1951. He played on the all-conference Ball State team from 1954-1956 and was the co-captain on the team. In 1956 he received the Most Valuable Player Magnabasco Award and was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams. He was a member of the Eden United Church of Christ. While at Ft. Knox, KY he was on the second Army wrestling team, received outstanding track award, and played on a regimental football team coached by Dave Schmidt. He was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and Epsilon Pi Tau National Industrial Arts Honorary. Ralph coached at Westville High School in northern Indiana, Highland High School in Anderson, IN, and Cowan Junior High School basketball. At Delta High School he was the assistant football coach and track coach. He was a member of the Muncie Sailing Club, Muncie Controlliners Model Airplane Club, Cardinal Varsity Club, Cardinal Football Alliance and the Retired Teachers Association. He retired from Delta Middle School in 1998.
Surviving relatives include his loving wife of 53 years Patricia Cook of Muncie, IN; two sons, Ron Cook (wife: Lisa) of Muncie, IN; Rob Cook (fianc: Genae) of Indianapolis, IN; three grandchildren, Dane E. Cook and Leah V. Cook of Muncie, IN; Elena P. Cook of Indianapolis, IN; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, John E. Cook.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday March 19, 2010 at Eden United Church of Christ, 11205 N. SR 3 Muncie, IN 47303. Friends may also gather from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Pastor Rusty Clements will officiate the service. Burial will follow in the Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Muncie. Visitation will be on Thursday March 18, 2010 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Garden View Funeral Home, 10501 North State Road 3 Muncie, IN. Memorial contributions can be made to the Ralph R. Cook Scholarship Fund. Contributions can be made at the church or the funeral home. If you would like to sign the online guest book and send condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.gardenviewandgardensofmemory.com.