CMSgt John Henry Cook

John Henry Cook passed away on September 21, 2026, at his home in San Antonio, Texas. He was 81 years old. He was a veteran, husband, father, uncle, sibling, and friend, whose absence is deeply felt.
John was born in 1945 to Arlethia Cook-Boatwright and Earnest Cook in South Carolina. He was one of 7 children born to the couple, including Earnestine Cook, Ruby Gaines, Eugene Cook, Timothy Cook, Glenn Cook, Ray Anthony Cook, all of whom preceded him in death.
After completing his high school education, John joined the US Air Force as a member of the Fire Emergency Services. John played a transformative role both nationally and internationally, resulting in him receiving the Airman’s Medal, amongst many other awards. He ended his 30 years of military service at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He then joined the Civil Service, where he served as Fire Chief of USAG-Camp Red Cloud in South Korea until he transferred to Joint Base San Antonio as a Command Fire Chief. He fully retired after 16 years of Civil Service.
In his later years, John gave his life to Christ and was a dedicated member of Immanuel Church of Austin.
John is survived by his wife, Seung Sook (Kim) Cook, daughters Nicole Cook and Jacquetta Cook, and former wife Loretta Cook. Through working with Compass Connections, he became a foster parent to Lilith. He is also survived by his half-brother Clyde Boatwright as well as many nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 11 AM at Lewis Funeral Home in San Antonio. He will then be buried at Fort Sam Houston with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations:

The American Heart Association
https://www.heart.org/

The National Kidney Foundation
https://www.kidney.org/

The Fisher House Foundation, a non-profit that serves veterans and their families
https://fisherhouse.org/