Paul Cookenmaster

Paul Henry Cookenmaster, age 97 years, of Gladwin, formerly of Caro, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2008 in his apartment at The Brook Retirement Home in Gladwin. He was born on January 2, 1911 in Watrousville to the late James and Lucy (Miller) Cookenmaster. Paul was a lifelong resident of the area and had served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. On August 4, 1929 he married the former Leona Hunt in Flint. They had celebrated seventy-eight years of marriage prior to her death on October 21, 2007. He was a baker for thirty-seven years, working at the Caro Regional Center as the Bakery and Central Kitchen Supervisor, prior to his retirement. He had also been a bus driver trainer and tester for six years for Caro Community Schools. He was a member of the Caro United Methodist Church and a sixty year member and Past Commander of the Theron W. Atwood Sr. American Legion Post #7 in Caro. In his spare time, Paul enjoyed gardening. He is survived by his four children, Gloria (Bill) Terbush of Caro, Richard (Joan) Cookenmaster of Gladwin, Lee (Helen) Cookenmaster of Prudenville and James (Sharon) Cookenmaster of Burton; eleven grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Charles Hunt of Caro and Carl Baur of Caro; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Thurber Cookenmaster and his wife, Vivian; one great-grandson, Shawn Czizmadia; and two sisters, Elva Baur and Eva Lovett. The funeral service will be held at the Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Friday, March 7, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Jerry Smith, Caro United Methodist Church, officiating. Full military honors will be afforded by the Theron W. Atwood Sr. American Legon Post #7 of Caro. Following cremation, burial will be at Indianfields Township Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Collon Funeral Home on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice or Theron W. Atwood Sr. American Legion Post #7 in Caro.