Deacon LaVan Cook

Deacon LaVan Cook was born December 20th, 1937, in Strong Arkansas, to Rev.- Greely Cook and Clara Thompson- Cook. He was a graduate of Washington High School Class of 1955.

On December 25, 1959, he united in holy matrimony to Effie Dean Burns-Cook and remained a devoted husband for forty-eight years. To this union, they were blessed with three daughters, Gilda, LaCretia, and LaSharn.
Dec. Cook accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. He remained a devout Christian thought out his life serving as the oldest Deacon and a member of the male choir.

He was employed at Prescolite Tool and Die for 38 years, becoming their first Black supervisor receiving many honors until retirement in 2000. He was a member of the 33rd mason with the Eldorado Grand Hall Lodge no 151 for 31 years.
On Friday, February 19, 2021, the Lord called Deacon LaVan Cook home into eternal rest. He was preceded in death by his wife, father, mother, Sister Rosie Easter Smith, and brother-Herman Cooks.

He leaves to Cherish his Memories, three devoted daughters Gilda Lorraine Smith (Rev. Leon) of EL Dorado, AR, LaCretia Del Cook ( Evangelist Tondra) of Raeford, North Carolina, & LaSharn Va'che Gilmer of Los Angeles, California. Three Grand Children Lavanessa, Joshua, & Kennedy. Two Great grand Children Christina Grant & Christopher Grant. One sister - Betty Cook- Clark (Paul Clark) of Los Angeles, California, three nieces Princis Oliver (Leonardo), Evelyn Jones (Curtis), and Sharon Clark.
Eight Nephews, Glenn Oliver (Stephanie), Anthony Oliver, James Smith Jr, Floyd Smith (Vickie), Paul Clark Jr, Reginald Cooks, Sekou Cooks, & a very special niece Tonie Ann Ward and a host of other relatives and friends.