Columbus, OH — Gary Lee Cook, 76, known by many as “Cookie,” of Fremont, Ohio, and formally of Tiffin, Ohio, died Aug. 13, 2019, at Countryside Manor in Fremont.

He was born Sept. 20, 1942, in Fremont, a son of the late George W. and Bertha M. (Keegan) Cook.

Mr. Cook was a longtime owner of Standardbreds. Some of his horses included Prom’s Anni Knight, Leader’s Demon, Reckless Chris, Shawn Paul, Latin Lyric, Artprize, Allswelthatendswel, Firstrockthenroll, Meadowbrookthunder, Cating Around, and Papa Hemingway.

He was a member of the United States Trotting Association and the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association.

In addition to horses, he was also into late model cars, sprint car racing and loved playing cards.

He was a superintendent at Mosser Construction in Fremont, retiring after 31 years of service, and a member of the Toledo Carpenters Local. He enlisted in the United States Navy where he served for four years as an aviation mechanic.

His witty banter will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mr. Cook is survived by his son, Mark Hollenbach; daughters, Tara Lynn and Shaun Marie St. Clair; grandchildren, Brissa Rodriguez, Braylon Tompkins, Davey Burkett, Allison Burkett, Haley Ochs, Jordan Hollenbach and Alex Hollenbach; one great-grandchild; many nieces and nephews; brother, Ted; and sisters, Patricia (Cloyce) Stites and Carol Drown. He was preceded in death by a sister, Sharon; and grandparents, Frank and Hattie Cook, and Fred and Betsy Keegan.

Friends and family may visit Sunday (Aug. 18) from 2-4 p.m. at Hufford Family Funeral Home, 1500 Manor Hill Rd., Findlay (419.422.1500). The Hancock County Veteran’s Memorial Squad will perform full military rites at conclusion of visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Seneca County Horsemen’s Association in care of Hufford Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.huffordfh.com.