Melvin J. Cook, 91, of Rexburg, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, Sunday April 29, 2018. Mel was born May 22, 1926, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Daniel and Eva Senior Cook. He attended schools in Rexburg. He graduated from Madison High School and attended Ricks College and played on the varsity basketball team on nationally recognized teams.

He married his sweetheart, Doris Ann Powell in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on June 9, 1950, and they raised their family in Rexburg, Idaho.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mel began his career in farming early in life at age 15 with the death of his father 5 years earlier. He was an extremely hard worker providing for his family, growing great crops for 35 years. He retired at age 50 and spent the rest of his life enjoying family and time at his cabin and fishing in Island Park. An avid fisherman, all fish in Eastern Idaho feared him.

His concerns were only his love for family and posterity, and their happiness. He will be missed by all.

Mel is survived by his wife, Doris Ann Powell Cook; children, Bruce (Bonnie) Cook, LeAnn (Doug) Hill, Todd (Carry) Cook, Brett (Marci) Cook, Holly (Ross) Baxter; 22 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Eva Cook, sons; Larry Dean Cook and Lynn John Cook and grandson, Robert John Cook.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, at the Park Street LDS Chapel in Rexburg, with Bishop James Gordon officiating. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., both times at the Park Street Chapel. Interment will be in the Rexburg Cemetery under the direction of Flamm Funeral Home.