Richard Edward Mook's Obituary
Richard “Rick” Edward “Ed” Mook, age 68, passed away after a long illness surrounded by his loved ones at Kindred Hospital in Green Cove Springs Florida on November 18, 2016. He was a Vietnam Vet and was a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Campaign Stars, Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device, Expert Badge (M-14) and 2 Overseas Service Bars. He served in the Army in the 101st Airborne from March 1968 through March 1970. After serving his country he dedicated his time helping Veterans and their Families. He was a lifetime member of the VFW 3282 in Port Orange, Florida. He was an active member and Commander of the Amvets Post 969 along with participation in the VFWs and American Legions around Columbus, Ohio.
He was born in Columbus, Ohio were he spent most of his life until moving to Port Orange (Daytona), Florida in 2004. He went to Franklin Heights High School. As a child he learned to work on cars, had a natural mechanical ability and loved the classical Chevrolet cars especially Corvettes. He loved playing sports, football and basketball. He also loved playing golf, an interest he shared with his youngest son Ryan. He was an avid Harley Davidson rider and was a member of the Combat Vets Association Florida Chapter 20 and the Hogs Association Daytona Beach Chapter. He also enjoyed horse racing, watching Nascar, bowling, go-cart racing and of course, the Buckeyes & the Browns.
He retired from General Motors in 1997 after 30 years of service where he was active in the UAW Local 969. After retirement he kept busy working for Interstate Construction in Grove City, Ohio and Bobby Layman Chevrolet in Columbus, Ohio. He moved his wife Valinda and twin daughters Carly & Chloe to Port Orange south of Daytona Beach, Florida where his eldest son Rick Jr and grandsons Ryan and Sage resided. He enjoyed his dream job of working at Harley Davidson along side his son Rick Jr. Rick lived life to the fullest by enjoying simple things like walking on the beach, fishing, his dogs and watching his daughters Carly & Chloe grow into beautiful young women.
He believed in our Lord God and accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior in 2008. As a child he attended the Church of the Nazarene on Warren Ave in Columbus, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his father William “Bill” James Mook and mother Charlotte “Lottie” Jane (Sowards) Mook, sister Bonnie (Dave) Hill, brothers William “Sonny” Mook and James “Jim” Mook.
Rick is survived by his loving wife Valinda of 34 years (married for 29 of those years), children Richard “Rick” (Tammy) Mook II., Ryan V. Mook, Carly J. Mook and Chloe J. Mook. Grandchildren Ryan A. Mook, Sage A. Mook and Lily M. Mook. Sibling Terri Lynn Cornwell (Tim), sister in law Jan Mook. Many nieces, nephews and great friends.
The Memorial/Celebration of Life service for Richard E Mook will be held at the VFW Post 3282
5810 S. Williamson Blvd. Port Orange Fl 32128. On Saturday January 21,2017 at 3:00pm. There will be a formal service (dress is causal) at 3:00 followed by a time of sharing memories and enjoying one of his favorites foods Barbecue. Family is requesting written memories or stories to be placed in a memory book for us to treasure. A second memorial service to be held in Columbus, Ohio at the VFW Post 3441 on Clarendon & Whitehead in Columbus in June 2017 (details to follow).
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in the form of clothing, food, time or a monetary contribution be made in Rick's name to any military organization, such as the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars, Amvets, K9s for Warriors, Disabled or Paralyzed Veterans associations.
The family is also requesting written or typed memories to be shared of fun times, sad times or any other memory you might have of Rick. Please bring to one of the Memorial services or mail to Valinda at 6448 Nona Ct. Port Orange, FL 32128
Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family.
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