Evelyn Cook was born on October 2, 1935, at home in Leflore Oklahoma. She was the fourth child born to Thomas Lee Knight and Velma Christine Kitchens. Evelyn attended school in Leflore and played basketball for the Leflore Savages, graduating in 1953. In 1979 she returned to school attending classes at Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton between working full-time at Roy’s Cardinal Grocery store in Wilburton, and the responsibilities at home. Evelyn was a woman of faith and joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1962 while living in Savannah, Georgia.
In 1956 Evelyn married Joe P. Cook also of Leflore, Oklahoma. After graduation they went their separate ways, meeting again while each was living and working in Fort Worth, Texas. They married May 3, 1956, in the home of Bertha Cook, Joe’s mother, who was living in Leflore at the time. Evelyn was mother to three children while working full time and traveling the world alongside her husband who was a member of the US Air Force.
Evelyn loved to laugh, the color pink and enjoyed good times with her family. Didn’t matter if it was boating, water skiing, camping or riding motorcycles, she was there. When her husband was deployed to Vietnam, she worked hard at a job in Poteau and kept her children protected from the fear and stress that comes with deployments. Later when he was deployed again, she decided to learn to ride Joe P’s Harley Davidson motorcycle. Together they were members of the Texas Outriders club (1968 – 1978) from Wichita Falls, TX. When she turned 85y.o. a family birthday celebration was held which included a visit from a motorcycle club and a ride on the back of a Harley Davidson Electro-Glide. Evelyn was the last member of the Texas Outrider group to depart this life.
Evelyn made friends easily and loved her friends dearly. She was an experienced seamstress making clothes for her children, herself and others that asked. She loved to make quilts for all her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Evelyn received her Eternal rest on Wednesday May 20, 2026, after a lengthy illness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Lee Knight and Velma Kitchens,4 sisters; Vera Mae Sharp, Carolyn Richey, Mary Lou Cowan, and an infant sister, 2 brothers; Lonnie Knight and Herbert Knight and her former spouse, Joe P Cook.
Evelyn was a loving person and will be missed dearly by her family and friends. She is survived by her three children and their families; Joe Cook of Fort Smith, Karen (Joe Quigley) of Sherwood, AR, Randy (Deanna) of Pleasanton TX. Her Grandson and Best Friend, Brad Cook of Poteau OK. Brothers; Roy Knight (Sandy) of Bengal, OK and Tom Knight (Martha) of Godley TX. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren; Amy, Amber, Alyshia, Amanda, Mia and Brad. 8 Great grandchildren; Brian, Riley, Ean, Lillie, Shai, Greyson, Emily and Journi, and 3 GG grandchildren; Abby, Rowan and Hayden, and 1 honorary granddaughter; Eva. Numerous extended family members living all over Leflore County OK, Oklahoma City, OK and the Fort Worth TX and metro area. Loving friends that live locally as well as in every city, state, and Country she ever visited.
A family visitation has been scheduled for Sunday, 24 May 2026 from 2pm- 4pm in the afternoon at the Holt Funeral Home. All family and friends are welcome to attend.
Additionally, a Graveside service has been scheduled for June 4th at the Leflore Township Cemetery in LeFlore, Oklahoma at 11:30am. A family and friend potluck gathering is scheduled following the service to be held at the Leflore Senior Citizen building in LeFlore, Oklahoma.
Online condolences can be made at www.holtfuneralandcremation.com
“Through Love, Serve One Another”
The Family of Evelyn Cook has entrusted her arrangements to Holt Funeral and Cremation, 522 Dewey Ave Poteau, OK 74953, (918) 721-0026. Poteau’s Only 100% Locally Owned and Family Operated Funeral Home – Our Family, Loving Your Family Through
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