Lynn Ray Jirl Cook was a man of great love, steadfastness, and laughter. He was born on March 10, 1930, and passed away peacefully on the morning of February 28, 2024.

Jirl was born on a sharecropper farm near Lake Wichita, Texas, to Huey Allen Cook and LaVada Leona Fancher. He lived most of his life in Wichita Falls and Montague County.

He was born into a large family known for their singing voices. He was the last boy born and the ninth of ten children. His parents, older brothers (Clovis, Leo, and Aubrey), and sisters (Novelle, Nita, Estelline, Johnnie, Autrey, and Delle) have gone before him in death.

Jirl served in the Navy for two years before being honorably discharged and meeting the love of his life, Betty Mathews. They married on June 27, 1952, and enjoyed a wonderful life together for 72 years. They had four children—Monty, Brent, Jeffrey, and Jamye. Jirl was a grandfather to ten grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

For most of his career, Jirl worked at Humphrey Printing. He also served at the Western Christian Foundation as manager and then as president on their Board of Directors.

Jirl loved sports. He coached YMCA Little League baseball and Boys Club football for eight-to-ten-year-olds. He did this for 16 years, winning several sportsmanship awards and three Toy Bowls. He never once had a losing record.

Jirl felt most at home being out in the country with nature. Throughout his life, he'd take yearly trips to Bennett Springs for trout fishing and to Colorado for camping. At home, he and his wife would often sit on their back patio, drink coffee, and watch the wildlife. Every year, Jirl planted a vegetable garden and enjoyed bumper crops of potatoes, squash, and his favorite 1015Y onions.

Faith was an important part of Jirl's life, and he was a steadfast follower of Jesus Christ. He was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ where he served as treasurer, song leader, and leader. On any given Sunday and Wednesday, you'd find him faithfully attending services and caring for those in need. For Jirl, church and family were always interconnected.

Jirl was the type of man you'd meet and instantly love, especially when he gave you that unforgettable wink. He had big laughs, gave big hugs, and lit up every room he walked in. Jirl modeled unconditional love throughout his life and will be so dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Betty Cook, his four children, Monty Cook of Dallas, Texas, Brent Cook of Hickory Creek, Texas, Jeffrey Cook of Bangkok, Thailand, and Jamye Coffman of Aledo, Texas, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His memorial service will be held at Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 2:00 PM.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Wichita Falls for their tender care of Jirl during his final days. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Hospice.