December 11, 1962 – May 5, 2026
By Rita Cook
Correspondent
Texas Metro News
Anthony Wayne Cook (Tony) was born in Dallas, Texas on a cold December 11 day in 1962.
From the beginning of his life until his death he was always referred to as a kind soul.
He was also a true Texan; he spent his life in Texas.
During his career his favorite trip overseas was to Germany, where he visited for work on numerous occasions.
His hobbies were technology and riding his Harley on the weekends with his lifelong friend, John Hardy (who spent many hours with Tony during his final months).
Tony died of cancer May 5; he was officially diagnosed in February 2026 after doctors were unable to determine his illness for many months. After he was diagnosed, it was too late to treat the cancer to extend his life.
Tony was a wonderful son, brother, husband and father and those who remembered him this past week following his death had one recurring theme “He was a kind, unselfish man who always had a smile and a helping hand.”
He married Staci Roden Cook in the early 80s and lost her to cancer on February 14, 2014.
Tony and Staci had two children and three grandchildren. After his wife’s death he raised the grandchildren from a young age singlehandedly.
Tony worked for many years as a production manager at Samsill Corp. in Fort Worth where he was working at the time of his death.
He was a supportive brother, always a phone call away, and as a personal example, a few years ago he installed a 30-piece art exhibition for me in the Dallas Design District and helped install a pop-up art shop in Ferris. Not because he knew how to do it, but because he was an intelligent, giving soul always there to help.
Tony’s death follows not only Staci, but his father Hilbert F. Cook, mother Margarite Ola Cook and sister Betty Fay Cook.
He leaves behind many who loved him including not only his younger sister (and best friend) Rita Cook, but also his older sister Elaina Kay Wiggs, his son and daughter, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and countless friends and acquaintances around the world.
His absence will be missed, but his soul is now across the veil with those he loves on the other side.
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