Wilbur"Will" Franklin Cook Jr.

 Wilbur Franklin Cook, Jr., 85, of Emmett, Idaho, passed away Sunday, August 16, 2026.   

Wilbur "Will" Franklin Cook, Jr. was born on May 15, 1941 in Sioux City, Iowa to Wilbur and Dorothy Brainard Cook. He was the youngest sibling with two doting older sisters, Marilyn and Joann. He was five when the Cook Family left snowy Iowa to join extended family in Southern California. Dad often talked about the “glory days” of growing up in the California sunshine. 

   He graduated from San Dimas High School. He continued his education and while majoring in Dairy Science at Fresno State, he met a beautiful young lady named Betty Waterman. They were married on June 20, 1964 in Manteca, California and were married for over sixty years. They returned to the Fresno area for Will to finish his college education and then had moves to North/Central California, Oregon, and Idaho while welcoming three children; Tamma, Debbie, and William. They settled in Emmett, Idaho in 1981 when Dad took a job as the Gem County Extension Agent with the University of Idaho. He and Betty set about the good work of raising their family including getting involved at the Emmett Church of the Nazarene, schools, and the local 4-H clubs.

  He judged many county fairs and was especially fond of the dairy animals. His sister, Joann, bought Dad his first goat (a black Nubian named Princess) when he was in high school and needed a 4-H project. This was the hook for Dad. He helped his own children with many 4-H projects and the dairy goats were his favorite. He sat for many sporting events cheering Willy on. He had a soft heart for animals and the Cook Family can tell of many a dog or cat or chicken or goat or horse or goose that became a family pet. He had a true connection with animals. He and the family spent years raising Guide Dogs for the Blind, something which Dad was proud of. He was a faithful member of the Emmett Church of the Nazarene. He loved to be outside and enjoyed a fire-wood cutting trip, a four-wheeler ride with Betty, and camping with his kids and grandkids.

   Will is preceded in death by his parents, his oldest sister,  Marilyn, his beloved bride, Betty, and daughter,  Debbie. He is survived by his sister, Joann Henke of Garden Grove, California, daughter, Tamma (Brad) Clark of Emmett, Idaho, and son, William (Gail) Cook of Filer, Idaho. He is also survived by seven treasured grandchildren; Seth (Savanah) Clark, Kyle Clark, Christopher (Valary) Morris, Danielle (Tyler) Simmons,  Carolyn Cook, Caitlyn Cook, and Claira Cook along with seven great-grandchildren; Tazmyn and Adley Clark, Audrey and Abel Morris, and Kaidence, Dustin, and Odessa Simmons.

   At Dad’s request, there will be no memorial service. The family would like to thank the staff at The Cottages in Emmett, Idaho and Pastor Al Cinnamon who reminded us that the Lord is close to the broken hearted, that Dad is now finally pain free, and we will be together one day In Glory.

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