Dr. M Olin Cook

Dr. M. Olin Cook, age 89, of Russellville died Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center. He was born January 21, 1933, in Preston, Miss., to Milton Chester and Rosie Mae Fulton Cook. Olin was a servant leader who dedicated his life to his family, career, church, and community. He began his career in education as a high school math teacher and accepted an opportunity at the Arkansas Department of Higher Education after receiving his Doctor of Administration of Higher Education at Auburn University. During these years, Olin and his family made their home in North Little Rock, where he established lifelong friendships as he worked tirelessly in his field and volunteered in community outreach, particularly at Lakewood United Methodist Church. Olin continued to serve students and advocate for educational opportunities through his leadership at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. While nurturing the University community, he also dedicated his time and effort to a wide range of local, statewide, and national organizations, including Russellville First United Methodist Church, the River Valley Arts Center, the Democratic Party of Pope County, Rotary International, the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church. In retirement, he was honored to work for the residents of Pope County while serving as an Arkansas State Representative and chairing the House Education Committee. Throughout his life, Olin consistently sought ways to empower and engage others. He cultivated relationships everywhere he went and generously carved out time for conversation and laughter. He was always ready to offer a helping hand and donate support. He and Millicent routinely and joyfully welcomed others into their home and modeled family values, hospitality, and generosity for their children and grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Millicent Cook; a brother, Nolin Cook; and a sister, Opal Cook. Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Kim and Randy West and Leslie and Patrick Rhode, all of Dripping Springs, Texas; a brother, Grady Cook; and his grandchildren, Garrett and spouse, Pilar Jones of Burien, Washington, Connor Jones of Austin, Texas, Chelsea West of Austin, Texas, Anna Rhode, and Philip Rhode, both of Dripping Springs, Texas. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, May 27, 2022, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Tony Griffin officiating. A private burial for the family will be held in Oakland Cemetery and under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church. His education legacy continues through the Olin and Millicent Cook Scholarship, which makes annual awards to high school and college students. Contributions can be made to Russellville First United Methodist Church, 304 S. Commerce Avenue, Russellville, Ark. 72801. Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.