D.V. Cook Jr.

D.V. Cook, Jr. passed away on January 29, 2025, in Ruidoso, NM, at the age of 81. Born April 19, 1943, in Merkel, TX, D.V. dedicated his life to his family and the cotton gin industry. D.V. began working in cotton gins at an early age. He took great pride in his work and was generous to share his knowledge with anyone needing advice. He built and managed Lomax Farmers Gin, Inc. in Big Spring, TX, and Valley Gin Company in Tornillo, TX. He later co-owned and managed Mustang Farmers Gin, Inc. (Formally Lomax Farmers Gin, Inc.) in Big Spring, TX, where he worked with his wife and family. He also started cotton warehouses for Valley Gin Co. in Tornillo, TX and Crossroads Warehouse in Big Spring, TX. His expertise and passion for his work led him to various cotton gins across Texas and New Mexico, including Anson (TX); numerous South Texas Gins where he met his mentor Jay Baxter, Hagerman (NM) Coop, Ballinger (TX) Coop, Planters Cotton Gin Company (TX & NM), Childress (TX) Coop, and Pioneer Gin in Seminole, TX. He worked for Lummus Industries in the 1970’s and built cotton gins in California, Arizona, and Texas. He started his own business, DV Cook, Inc., that led him to consult and work on gins in Australia, Costa Rica, and throughout the United States. In his later years, he had the privilege of managing Goetz Fibers, where he was allowed to experiment on ways to improve the cleaning process and efficiency of cotton motes. D.V. served on the boards of the Texas Cotton Ginners and as President of the Texas Independent Cotton Ginners. He made numerous friends and was greatly respected in the cotton gin community.

In addition to his professional achievements, D.V. was a man of many interests. He had a profound love of rodeo, as a participant and as a judge, developing lasting friendships within that vibrant community. His passion extended to horses, where he made a name for himself in breeding racehorses. D.V. was known for his understanding of genetics, which helped him to produce winning horses that triumphed across the nation.

D.V. married the love of his life, Cheryl Parker, March 18, 1966. Their enduring partnership was a testament to his character, strength, and dedication to family.

D.V. is survived by his wife, Cheryl Cook; daughters, Debra Montgomery and husband Tommy of Big Spring, Texas, and Cindy Cook-Stevens of Ruidoso, New Mexico; granddaughters, Audrey Montgomery of Houston, Texas, Tessa Montgomery of Big Spring, Texas, and Anna Jolene Stevens of Ruidoso, New Mexico; great-granddaughter Parker Lynn Linton of Big Spring, Texas; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who are considered family. He is preceded in death by his parents, D.V. Cook and Nora Lee Rister Cook; and sisters, Marquitta Fowler and Marilyn Joyce Cook.

As we remember D.V. Cook, Jr., we celebrate a life defined by hard work, deep connections, and a commitment to excellence in the cotton gin industry. He taught his family the importance of hard work, dedication to task, and loving everyone around you. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Per D.V.’s final request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in memory of D.V. Cook, Jr, to the FiberMax Center for Discovery (Cotton Gin Project), 1121 Canyon Lake Drive, Lubbock, TX 79403 or online at agriculturehistory.org.