son of Grace Wilken Cook, daughter of Henry Frederick Wilken (and Edith Eikelberger) son of Anna Louise Wilhelmine Strickert, daughter of Friedrich Wilhelm Srickert (and Wilhelmina Giermann), son of Johann and Christina Strickert.
Aug. 19, 1945 - Feb. 1, 2008
BARTLEY --Merlin Alben Cook of Bartley, died Friday, Feb. 1, 2008, at Community Hospital in McCook. He was 62 years old.
Merlin was born on Aug. 19, 1945, in Scott City, Kan., to Wade A. and Grace E. (Wilken) Cook. He was raised on a farm northeast of Oberlin. He graduated from Decatur County High School in 1963. He continued his education in Denver, Colo., attending trade school for electronics for one year, and in California graduating from American Truck Driving School.
He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in1964, and served two terms during the Viet Nam War. He then joined the Marine Corps Reserves. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1972.
Merlin married Tokako Yamaki in 1971, at the American Embassy, Tokyo, Japan. They divorced in 1975. To this union three daughters were born. He later married Vickie L. Province on Jan. 5, 1979, in Tucumcari, N.M. To this union a son and a daughter were born. They eventually made their home in Bartley.
Merlin had a love for truck driving...he drove semi-trucks for over 30 years. When he drove coast to coast, he was the Trucker Buddy for Central Elementary in McCook. At the time of his death, he was a truck driver for Crete Carriers in North Platte delivering to Wal-Mart stores. Before working for Crete he had driven two million accident free miles.
Merlin also had a love for motorcycles. While he was in Japan, he raced motocross. He had a Goldwing at the time of his death.
In his free time, Merlin enjoyed fishing, hunting, riding his bike, family and doing things outside.
Preceding him in death were his father, Wade A. Cook; father and mother-in-law, Bob L. and Neva I. Province
Survivors include his wife, Vickie L. Cook of Bartley; four daughters, Tami, Susan, Nancy and Cristy Cook with special friend, Joshua Laya, of Sacramento, Calif.; son, Wayne Cook and wife, Jenny of North Platte; mother, Grace E. Cook of Oberlin; brother, Harold Cook of Norton, Kan.; two sisters, Jenette Miller and friend, Sam of Oberlin and Connie and husband, Ed Quador of Pueblo West, Colo.; brother-in-law, Rick Province and wife, Paris of McCook; sister-in-law, Brenda Province of Ravenna; seven nephews; four nieces; many other family; numerous friends; and lots of trucker buddies. He will be dearly missed by all.
Memorials may be given in his name.
Friends may sign his book during business hours or go online at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences.
Memorial services will be Thursday, 1 p.m., at Carpenter Breland Chapel in McCook with Pastor Jon Albrecht officiating. Inurnment will be in the Oberlin Cemetery.
Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.
