Sam Wilburn Cook III's Obituary
Sam Wilburn Cook III, a longtime resident of Miami, passed away at his home on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 73. Sam was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma to Sam Wilburn Jr and Anna Margarette (Hendricks) Cook on August 27, 1951. He married his high school sweetheart, Ethel King, in November 1969. He served in the Air Force, including one year in Vietnam. Sam and Ethel welcomed three daughters, Tonya Cook, Samantha Cook and Sherrise Starkey. He also has three grandchildren – Levi, Sam Bryson and Casidee, who light up their world. Sam has one living brother, Harold Melvin Cook.
After the Air Force, Sam spent decades in Wichita, Kansas, where he worked for Koch Industries in fiberglass materials. He moved on to Armored services from there, specializing in ATM’s, working for Loomis, Brinks, and retiring from Garda after moving back to Miami. After retirement, he spent his time as the groundskeeper for the Ottawa Indian Cemetery.
Mr. Cook is preceded in passing by his parents Sam Cook Jr. and Anna Glenn; his wife Ethel Cook and his brother Alvin Cook.
Sam’s wishes are to be cremated and laid to rest next to the love of his life, Ethel, at the Ottawa Indian Cemetery. As per his request, there will be no site funeral services which have been placed in the care of Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Miami.
The family has asked that memorial contributions be made to American Legion Post #147, PO Box 668, Miami, Oklahoma 74354. Checks can be made payable to American Legion Post #147.
Friends and family may send the family notes of encouragement by viewing Mr. Cook’s Tribute Page at www.brown-winters.com
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