William Calvin Cook III, 86, longtime Deming resident entered eternal rest peacefully surrounded by his family at home on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

William Calvin Cook III, also known as “Bill or Cookie” was born August 13, 1936, in Lubbock, TX to William Calvin Cook Jr. and Louise Crowder.  He met the love of his life Marcia Day while in high school in Lubbock.  They married on August 6, 1955, in Ft. Sumner, NM. Bill served his country in the Army National Guard during the Korean War and attended college at Texas Tech University before moving to Deming in 1960.  Bill and Marcia became active members of Holy Family Catholic Church in 1963 where they renewed their vows and continued their love for one another for the next 67 years. Together they raised their 4 children William Calvin IV, Christopher Bradley, Catherine Jane, and Carol Elizabeth. When Bill and Marcia made their move to Deming, he began work with his father-in-law at Sunland Sales Farm Equipment. Eventually, Bill purchased Ari-Tex Mfg., which he operated successfully for 40 years. Ari-Tex Mfg. is still in operation and owned and operated by his son William Calvin Cook IV. He was a jack of many trades; he could build and fix just about anything. He was a master machinist, who provided reliable irrigation pumps throughout the Mimbres Valley.  He was deeply committed to the local farming community.  He knew the history of every farm and every detail of each water well throughout Luna County.  He was very proud to donate his craftsmen’s skills to Holy Family Church. Bill built and constructed the enormous grills used for the famous Klobase which has been held by Holy Family for the past 94 years. Bill was known for his great sense of humor and wit.  Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. He and Marcia took frequent trips to Alpine Arizona to fly fish and enjoy the beautiful mountains.  His greatest passion was spending time with Marcia and family. He built a reputation of honesty, integrity, and reliability.  Through his unwavering family support, his greatest legacy is helping them create loving and successful families.

Survivors include his wife, Marcia Day Cook; his 4 children, William Calvin Cook IV and wife Robin, Christopher Bradley Cook and wife Lyslee, Catherine Jane Schieber and husband Bryan, and Carol Elizabeth Turner and husband Johnny; a sister, Sylvia Etter and husband Jerry; 12 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father William Calvin Cook Jr., mother, Louise, stepfather, Howard Billings, and brother, Howard Billings Jr.

The Holy Rosary will be recited at 9:30am on Monday, July 31, 2023, at Holy Family Catholic Church. The Memorial Mass will follow thereafter at 10:00am. The rite of committal and inurnment will take place at Mountain View Cemetery. Cremation has been entrusted to Baca’s Mimbres Crematory.

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