Lonnie William Cook Jr., 80, of Delray Beach, passed away peacefully at home on May 2, 2012. He was born on January 4, 1932 in Delray Beach. After graduating from Delray High School in 1949, Lonnie attended Florida State University and graduated in 1957. During the 6 years before moving back to Delray Beach, Lonnie worked as an engineer in Cleveland. He was not only a prominent business man and member of the community, Lonnie was also a Veteran in the United States Air Force. For close to 50 years, he owned Hands, an office and art supply store located on Atlantic Avenue. Lonnie also was a founding member of the Delray Beach Historical Society. Some of his hobbies included gardening, boating and playing tennis. Another thing he loved to do was attend morning meetings with his coffee group at the Green Owl, which is just across the street from Hands.
Lonnie is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Ellen, 3 children, Connie (Ed) Lyons of Miami, David (Renee) Cook of Delray Beach and Suzanne (Tony) Stallings of Kennesaw, GA; 7 grandchildren, Cort and Tim Lyons, Caroline and Katie Cook, and Will, Lily, and Holly Stallings; 1 sister, Emma Lou (Dan) Meadows from Cocoa, FL. The family would like to mention a special thanks for the kindness of niece Debbie Kerr.
A celebration of Lonnie Cook's life will be held at Unity of Delray Beach, 101 NW 22nd St., Delray Beach on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Delray Beach Historical Society, 3 Northeast 1st Street, Delray Beach, FL 33444. LORNE & SONS FUNERAL HOME, Delray Beach in charge of arrangements.