Arthur C. Cook

Arthur Charles “Butch” Cook, 82, of Evansville, Indiana, went to be with his Lord on August 5, 2025, at Linda E. White Hospice after suffering a stroke. Throughout his remarkable life, Art was a loving husband, devoted father, skilled craftsman, faithful servant, and friend to all who knew him. Born at home on March 28, 1943, on North Sonntag Avenue in Evansville, Art was the son of Wilbur Francis “Ike” Cook and Eldora Broshears Cook. Growing up with his brother Stephen Earl Cook and sisters Frances Ann Smith and Karen Sue Helmbock, Art learned early the value of family and hard work—traits that defined his life. On June 26, 1963, Art married the love of his life, Donna Gale Merritt. The last words he spoke were “I love you” to her. He was proud of their daughter, Beth Ann Cook, whom Art lovingly encouraged in all her callings. Following High School Art served his country as a US Marine. A true master of his trade, Art began his career as a journeyman carpenter apprenticed at Evansville Local 90, later joining Deig Brothers Construction. His remarkable dedication, skill and integrity earned him the position of Construction Superintendent. In the early 1980s, Art and Donna established their own company, CCC of Evansville, Inc., specializing in commercial, bridge, and concrete construction. With passion and vision, Art helped shape Evansville and the surrounding region. His legacy lives on in his apprentices and those he mentored as well as many bridges, schools, churches, the Lloyd Expressway, I-69, General Electric (SABIC), and even the Evansville Regional Airport. Colleagues and employees respected Art for his generosity, expertise, unwavering honesty, and his ability to bring out the best in everyone. Art’s love for life extended far beyond his profession. He was famously outgoing, never having met a stranger—and cherished sharing a good story with old and new friends alike. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping, especially in the company of his brothers-in-law, Larry Merritt and Steve Young. He loved old westerns, music, dancing, and cooking and baking for friends and family. His Chicken and Dumplings won a church cook-off. A man of deep faith, Art served joyfully at The Turning Pointe UMC, lending his talents to build and restore their facilities after they were damaged by a fire. In later years, after Beth Ann became pastor at St. Paul’s Global Methodist Church in Poseyville, Art and Donna joined their daughter in ministry there. Perhaps most dear to his heart was his cookie-making ministry, through which he baked and prayed over more than 6,000 dozen cookies for distribution to prisoners through Kairos Prison Ministry—ensuring each person experienced the love of Jesus. Art is survived by his cherished wife, Donna; his daughter, Rev. Beth Ann Cook; James Cox who has been like a son to him, Brother in Law Larry Merritt (Julie), sisters Frances Ann Smith and Karen Sue Helmbock; Nieces and Nephews Jamie Madigan (Pat), Amiee Smith, Jodie Young Drone, Jeanie Young Ferguson (Andy), Stephen Helmbock, Joe Kolezar, Rob Kolezar, Jim Kolezar, great nieces and great nephews and a host of extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Stephen Earl Cook, and sister-in-law, Terry Merritt Young. Family and friends are invited to visit at Pierre Funeral Home from 5-7 pm on Friday, August 8th, and from 10:30 am until service time on Saturday, August 9th. The funeral will be held at 11:30 am in the Pierre Chapel with Rev. Jeanne Winter presiding. Following interment at Alexander Memorial Park Cemetery, a funeral meal will be served at St. Paul’s GMC in Poseyville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s GMC [https://poseyvillegmc.org], The Church Planting Fund of the Global Methodist Church [https://onrealm.org/globalmethodist-form/give/individuals], or Operation Beautiful Feet https://www.beautifulfeet.world]. Even in their sorrow, Art’s family is celebrating a life fulfilled by faith and love. As Art often recited, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Though deeply missed, his spirit endures through all those blessed to know him and in the assurance of eternal life in Jesus Christ. Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.

Arthur C. Cook

March 28, 1943 - August 5, 2025