George Francis Cook, 82, of Leonardtown, MD died on July 3, 2009 in St. Mary's Hospital. Born September 20, 1926 in Bushwood, MD, he was the son of the late George Johnson and Frances Marie Knott Cook.

He was the loving husband of Teresa Elizabeth Knott whom he married on November 4, 1944 in Holy Angels Church, Avenue, MD.

He is survived by his children; Tommy Cook of Port Tobacco, MD, Bobby Cook of Welcome, MD, Margaret (Don) Goostree of California, MD, Sandy (Larry) Thomas of Hollywood, MD, Mary Russell (Jim Joy) of Clements, MD, Wayne (Jennifer) Cook of Lexington Park, MD Ann Evans of Callaway, MD, Joe (Julie) Cook of Morganza, MD and Ray (Mai) Cook of Callaway, MD as well as twenty grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son Joseph William Cook, his grandson Gary Thomas Cook and his siblings Robert Cook and Dorothy Friess.

A lifelong resident of St. Mary's County, George worked in the maintenance department for the Architect of the Capitol for sixteen years. He enjoyed planting his vegetable garden, watching the Dallas Cowboys and NASCAR, his favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and playing Pitch with his children. His favorite seafood was soft and hard crabs.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 from 5:00-8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD where prayers will be said at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 10:00 AM in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bushwood, MD with Fr. Keith Woods officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Johnson, Wade Norris, Jim Joy, Steve Joy, Michael Evans, Jason Thomas, Donnie Goostree and Robbie Cook. Honorary pallbearers will be Don Goostree, Larry Thomas, Corey Cook, Ryan Evans, Kevin Evans and Ray Knott.

Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.