Birth: Nov. 16, 1942, USA
Death: Nov. 7, 2012, Athens Attica, Greece

Cook, D. Ray, MD, 69, died Wednesday, November 7, 2012.Dr. Cook was a graduate of Southern Nazarene University and the University of Kentucky Medical School.

He served the Wichita community through his medical practice for 38 years and as a team physician for Wichita State University and local high schools.

He enjoyed working on local television and radio programs, answering medical questions.

Dr. Cook was deeply committed to his Church serving as a Sunday School teacher, board member and playing his trombone in the Church orchestra.

He loved MidAmerica Nazarene University serving over 30 years on the Board of Trustees. He was also deeply committed to many other ministry and educational organizations.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Marie Cook.

Survived by: wife, Elaine; daughter, Candi (Mark) Brown of Spring Hill, KS; son, Chad (Jill) Cook of Overland Park, KS; brother, Gene (Linda) Cook of Phoenix City, AL; grandchildren, Ben, Will, Graham, and Betsy Brown, and Johnny Ray, Spencer, Freddie, and Lucy Cook.

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Church, MNU mourn loss of Ray Cook Thursday, November 8, 2012 Athens, GreeceBy NCN News StaffDr. D. Ray Cook, 69, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away on Thursday while traveling in Europe with his wife, Elaine. According to Brent Van Hook, the Cooks’ pastor at Wichita First Church of the Nazarene, Ray collapsed with an apparent heart attack.

Ray served the Church of the Nazarene in many areas, including at the Church of the Nazarene Foundation, JESUS Film Harvest Partners, MidAmerica Nazarene University, and on the denomination’s General Board.

He studied at Harvard University before transferring to Bethany Nazarene College (now Southern Nazarene University), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science (pre-med) degree. Ray went on to study at the University of Kansas and earn a Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Kentucky.

He served his local church, Wichita First Church, as a board member, Sunday School teacher, and Nazarene Youth International president. Ray was also a member of the District Advisory Board and an active member of the community. He had a family practice in Wichita for more than 20 years.

Ray served on the MNU Board of Trustees for 33 years, including from 1999-2009 as chair. He was a longtime supporter of the university.

“Through the years, Dr. Cook provided leadership and generous support for many major improvements to our campus, including the Cook Center, named in his honor; Bell Cultural Events Center; and the Harvest Prayer Sculpture, which was his special gift to our campus,” MNU President David Spittal said. “His compassion for those in need and for the ministries of the church was clearly evident in the life he led. The many gifts he gave were offerings to the Lord he loved. He did not seek honor for himself, but lived the life of a servant, and influenced the lives of those who had opportunity to know him.

“Dr. Ray Cook was a true pioneer,” Spittal said on Thursday. “We honor his life and his memory today and will forever be blessed by his legacy. Today the MNU community celebrates the life of Dr. Ray Cook, and we do so with the knowledge that he is now in the presence of the One he has loved and served.”

In 1997, the Cooks were one of five lay couples who helped launch a partnership with Campus Crusade for Christ’ Jesus Film Project. Since then, the organization has grown into JESUS Film Harvest Partners. Cook was the first board chair.

“Ray and Elaine Cook have been part of the backbone of the ministry and were instrumental in establishing the initial vision of the ministry,” said Brian Helstrom, JFHP executive director. “They have been some of the main supporters of the JFHP. He always wanted to be responsible win to Christ at least the number of people who lived in Wichita, Kansas, his hometown, via the work of the church through the JFHP.”

Ray was a member of the Church of the Nazarene’s General Board from 1984-2005. He and Elaine have two children, Candice Brown (Mark), and Chad (Jill); and eight grandchildren. Mark Brown serves as vice president of Nazarene Publishing House. Jill Cook is the daughter of General Superintendent J. K. Warrick.

Prayer is requested for the Cook family. More information will be posted as it is made available.

MidAmerica Nazarene University contributed to this article.

Photo of Ray from the Nazarene Church files.

Created by: Forever Searching †
Record added: Nov 08, 2012
Find A Grave Memorial# 100388018