Vernon Mook 1930 - 2015

Vernon Milo Mook

Retired Hickory Teacher Was Active in Church and Organizations

Sharon Herald: Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Vernon Milo Mook went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 6, 2015, following a lengthy illness.  His family surrounded him, aided by hospice care and the attentive and kind staff of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 84.

Mr. Mook was born Aug. 17, 1930, in Jamestown, N.Y., to the Rev. Milo and Berdina Mook.  He graduated from Girard (Pa.) High School in 1948 and from what is now Slippery Rock University in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree in education. While at Slippery Rock, he participated in ROTC and joined the Marine Corps following graduation, serving until 1954.  Mr. Mook received his master’s degree in education from Westminster College.

He spent the majority of his teaching career, 33 years, at Hickory High School, Hermitage. Mr.  Mook primarily taught algebra during his tenure there. When asked what he taught, he would often reply, with a wry smile, “kids.”  During his years at Hickory, Mr. Mook was involved in coaching and assisting in the football and track and field programs. He and his wife were faithful followers and encouragers of student athletics well into their retirement.

Mr. Mook married the love of his life, Mary Alice Momyer, on Dec. 22, 1952, at Hope Memorial Lutheran Church in Smithton, Pa.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Reed Mook.  He is survived by Mary Alice and their three children, Karen (William) Sukolsky, Waynesburg, Pa.; Robin Mook, at home; and Wesley (Linda), Georgetown, S.C.; six grandchildren, Jennifer (Charles) Mims, Sarah Mook, Cara (Geoff) Rach, Samuel (Jane) Mook, Rachel (Robert) McMahon and Caitlyn (Denman) Rooke; and six great­grandchildren, Eliott and Alex Mims, Elle and Linnaea Bradbury-Mook, and Matthias and Eliza Rach. He also is survived by his sister, Marilyn (Walter) Connor; and sister­in­law, Laura Mook.

His family is grateful for his legacy of faith, love, generosity and kindness.  Mr. Mook had been an active member of New Virginia United Methodist Church in Hermitage. He and his wife also participated in numerous mission trips and projects through both the Methodist church and Youth with a Mission.  He also was involved with the Shenango Valley Conservancy, Arc of Mercer County, YMCA, Meals on Wheels, Civil War Round Table, and Sharpsville Men’s Prayer Breakfast.

Mr. Mook led a very full life and enjoyed traveling, camping, hiking, building fires on the beach at Lake Erie, gardening, backpacking, cross country skiing, bird watching, and baking his famous Swedish rye bread.  Above all else, Mr. Mook’s deep  faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior defined and touched every area of his life.