Herschel E. Cook II

December 27, 1946 - February 27, 2022

HERSCHEL EUGENE COOK, II passed away Sunday February 27,2022. He was diagnosed with Metastatic Bone Cancer in December 2021. Herschel has been the Proprietor of Harry’s Chocolate Shop at 329 West State Street since September 1, 1977. Harry’s celebrated it’s 100^th Anniversary in 2019 along with many Purdue Alumni, Former Employees and Friendships fostered through the century. Helen Marack, wife of Harry, Jr. and their children were apart of this iconic celebration.

Herschel was the son of Herschel Eugene Cook and Alma Otillia Cook. Herschel was born in Lafayette at St. Elizabeth Hospital December 27, 1946 where his family lived while Herschel, Senior finished his Purdue University education post service in W.W. II. His family returned to Franklin, Indiana where Herschel spent his youth playing sports, golfing, passing daily newspapers, mowing lawns and working at The Johnson County Memorial Hospital.

Herschel attended Purdue University where he joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He enrolled in US Army ROTC, Purdue University and received an Honorable Discharge June 6, 1969 as he graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management. As a 2^nd Lieutenant, Herschel accepted his commission in the US Army (USAR) and was deployed to serve in Germany and Viet Nam upon his graduation from P.U. Herschel was discharged from Military Service June 7,1971 and returned to West Lafayette. He worked for State Farm Insurance Regional Offices from 1971 until 1977. Herschel left State Farm in 1977 after purchasing Harry’s Chocolate Shop from Harry J. Marack,Jr and his family. He married Mary V. Traylor in 1979. Together they went on to own and operate four additional taverns and restaurants in West Lafayette and Lafayette. The Pub at 4^th & Union St., The Other Pub at 3000 S. 9^th Street, My Pizza at 3000 S. 9^thStreet, all in Lafayette and The Wabash Yacht Club in Chauncey Hill Mall, West Lafayette. (Apple Annie’s on 3^rd St. across from the courthouse but that was a favor to a banker and didn’t really count)

Herschel was an avid reader, focusing on World War II. When it came to baseball, he was clear about ‘his teams’. The Saint Louis Cardinals, The Chicago White Sox and The Indianapolis Indians. Most of all Herschel enjoyed the people who came to see him in his tavern. The lifelong friendships born over a beer and interesting conversation.

The childhood buddies back for a PU Athletic event, parents of students who’d graduated but wanted to stop by to catch up because they knew Herschel would be reading his WSJ in the front window, fraternity brothers and classmates and acquaintances made as he and Mary traveled, eating their way across the U.S. and making friends in taverns similar to The C-Shop. He especially enjoyed ‘the kids’ that worked with him and those who came back to visit after leaving the area. Herschel enjoyed catching up with each and hearing about their lives today and their successes.

The loyalty Herschel felt toward others was reciprocated by so many along his journey through life. Herschel remained in contact with Franklin childhood friends, SAE Brothers and PU friends, fellow Artillery Officers and many former employees from all the years in business in this community. Herschel thought of himself as a simple man with uncomplicated desires. His tavern, a cold Anheuser- Busch beer and his dogs. Herschel had a quick wit and often recited the label declaration on the front of the AB Budweiser Bottle as well as references to his favorite Jazz Radio Show, Daddy-O Daylie Jazz Radio. He was known for his daily walks across the Harrison and Leslie Bridges over the Wabash –a man of routine and purpose going from The Pub to The C-Shop and back.

Herschel is survived by his wife and business partner of 45 years, Mary Vaughan Traylor. His two sisters and their families. Sandra Hollingshead, husband Richard, Cheryl McMahon and Aunt, Bonnie Brown, husband Dennis. Sisters-in-law, Marjorie Roberts, husband Randy and Irene Bustamante, husband Ed. Nieces and Nephews: Jami McMahon Fugate (Danny), Hillary Weigle (Troy), Brian Hollingshead (Erin), Ashley Traylor Walters (Ben), John Traylor, Charley Traylor (Nikki), Eddie Bustamante, Ferris Bustamante, Madeleine Bustamante, Alison Roberts and Kelly Roberts along with his great nieces and nephews.

Herschel loved all of his dogs and had a habit of talking in his sleep to Jingles and Bunney. That didn’t seem to bother Brownie, Elvis, Harry, Jingle Belle, Mim, Molly or Mickey. It bothered Mary though. Herschel was preceded in death by his parents, Herschel and Alma Cook; Mary’s parents, Mary and Ferris E. Traylor; his brothers-in-law, James Weigle, Charles Traylor, Ferris J.Traylor and sister-in-law, Krista Rickman Traylor. Herschel and Mary would like to convey their appreciation for all of the friends, family and Caregivers that allowed them respite in Herschel’s 2.5 month battle with cancer. Laine, Walt, Joe, John and The St. Anthony Health Care Staff and doctors along with Elara Home Health Care helped us navigate this difficult journey. The support and love were immeasurable – Herschel said, “You all did a Divine Job. Thank You.” A private family service will be offered at a later date.

The family has designated the Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Boiler Business Exchange, College of Veterinary Medicine OHAIRE Lab (service animals for Veterans), or the John Purdue Club for memorial contributions in honor of Herschel Cook. Please make donations online at connect.purdue.edu/InMemoryofHerschelCook .

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

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HERSCHEL EUGENE COOK, II passed away Sunday February 27,2022. He was diagnosed with Metastatic Bone Cancer in December 2021. Herschel has been the Proprietor of Harry’s Chocolate Shop at 329 West State Street since September 1, 1977. Harry’s celebrated it’s 100th Anniversary in 2019 along with many Purdue Alumni, Former Employees and Friendships fostered through the century. Helen Marack,Continue Reading

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Mary, I am sorry to learn of Hershel’s passing. I always think of you and hope you are well. Regards from Florida.

In memory of Herschel E. Cook II, Mary Cook lit a candle

From his fraternity brothers of SAE: Hersch was "The True Gentleman" "The True Gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose self-control is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity; who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements; who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deed follows his word; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others, rather than his own; and who appears well in any company, a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe." We will miss you and treasure our fond memories of our time togther. RIP our brother.

I met Hershel through my friend and apartment mate Jerry Gerrard back in 1978. Hershel hired me part time job as one of the first team of bartenders. I'm sure with your help he ran a quality establishment. I have dozens of good memories of the early days of Harry's. My condolences to you, Mary, and your family. Hope sometime to travel to West Lafayette to visit the bar.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I served on the Navy ROTC staff at Purdue shortly after Herschel acquired Harrys. We would visit in uniform, from time to time, and he ALWAYS made us feel welcome. Years later, when showing up in town for the Indy 500, that warmth and friendship continued. I'm saddened today because I feel I've lost a friend in Lafayette.

Mary, I am so sorry. The times I spent with you two were among my best in Lafayette. If the mark of a man is the number of friendships he keeps, Herschel will always be a legend. Sherry Brown

Mary, I only met you once many years ago at the Pub but I knew Hershel from my years at Purdue and as one of my brother, TJ’s good friends. Hershel’s passing came as a great shock and I know you will miss his terribly. Please accept my deepest sympathy and know that Hershel will be greatly missed by so many people. I do smile when I think that he and TJ are looking down on us, telling jokes, lifting cold ones and telling great sport stories. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Mary - be strong.

I was so sorry to hear of Herschel's passing. He was a GOOD man. Harry truly valued his friendship and trust. Herschel was an honest and sincere person. He cared about people and shared that virtue with many. May this give you peace Mary, in knowing that he will be missed! May the Holy Spirit guide and direct you in your new chapter in life. God Bless You, Mary! Affectionally, Helen Marack

So sorry to hear of his passing. Remember the family fondly. Remember going to school with him and his sisters. I used to work with his mother years ago at the hospital. Prayers for the family. ????????

My condolences to Sandy, Cheryl and Gene's family. Gene was a good childhood friend and neighbor. We played a lot of baseball and basketball together and did a lot of bike riding at our house and Jerry McGuire's house.

We will miss your sweet heart and the way you cared and took the time to speak with all of your customers personally. We will really miss our shared love of the space program and sharing our memorabilia with you.

Mary, my heart goes out to you. Herschel and I worked together as waiters in the SAE house our senior year. We sang Sinatra tunes every day as we bussed and washed dishes. His energy and sense of humor livened every one of us. Going to Harry's was always a treat and it was even more special when you and Hersch became owners. He was one-of-a-kind and will be missed. Love and condolences.

Herschel was truly an inspiration to me, as I watched early on in his ownership of the Shop how he paid careful attention to both his customers and taking care of the business. I told him not long ago that I had learned more valuable lessons from him than many of my professors at school. He was a hard worker and a class act and will be missed by so many. Rest in peace my friend. Glad your suffering is over. Will raise a Michelob Ultra in your honor.

March 6, 2022 Dear Mary… Please accept our heartfelt sympathy in the painful and untimely loss of your beloved sole mate, husband, and business partner. May you continue to find comfort and hope from our thoughts, prayers, and reassurances that so many others care and remember you in your loss and grief. Although words from friends can’t take away the sadness you have in your heart or ease the loneliness that comes when loved ones have parted. Our trust is that you will find that inner strength to carry on as a tribute, to “Herschel’s” great memories with you and us. Og Mandino, the famous author wrote, “So each of us in our own way, endures our loss, but cherishes the memories. Just as it should be.” However, when one’s heart is frozen in shock from the loss of a loved one; its family and friends who share their expressions of compassion and friendship which help to sustain us and soften the painful grieving process. We deeply regret seeing you lose such a precious loved one. We mourn the loss for you and continue to celebrate life in his memory… Nonetheless, our thoughts and our prayers are with you. We hope our message will continue to bring you some measure of comfort. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal”. May peace replace your heartache and bountiful warm memories remain. In closing, “The nicest place to be is in someone’s thoughts. The safest place to be is in someone’s prayers. And the best place to be is in God’s hands.” With kindest regards… PS… I shall long remember those days long ago when Herschel and his dad and Art Steinberger would come to my dad’s farm to fish and while they were fishing, Herschel and I would play together. It is hard to conceive that 65+ years have since passed and Herschel is gone! He was indeed a good man…God Bless... Norm and Cay Long

You made such a positive difference in so many peoples lives while you were with us, Herschel. RIP, my friend! Hal Youart Albuquerque, NM

Herschel gave my husband a job when we were down. He was a true friend and I will always be grateful to Herschel and Mary. Rest in Peace.

My long term association with Herschel and Mary has been one of the very good things in my life. Rest in Peace, Herschel. Take care, Mary.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Mary, I was so sorry to hear of Herschel’s passing. He was a great guy, even though I didn’t know him as well as others. I loved going to The Pub, especially when my son, Devin, worked there. Larry and I would pop into the Chocolate shop when our kids were going to Purdue and sometimes when they weren’t! Herschel would always greet us with a smile. Herschel will be missed by many. Maybe him and Larry are having a beer in heaven with other friends. ?

My condolence to the family. Rest in Peace Herschel.

Herschel will be missed by so many. I loved my time at The Pub and seeing Mary and Herschel. My sincere condolences to Mary and the family.

Although I have not seen you over the past several years, it did not mean you weren't on my mind. Hard to say goodbye to an old friend. Thanks for all the good times at the Pub and Arnie's on the West Side. You were a loyal pal and I never forgot it. RIP my friend, you did good.

We both loved Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. He would give me money to play music. I always played Frank’s drinking again and he would laugh cause he knew who played it. I played it one time before I went in and peeked my head in the window. And he was laughing. Sure will miss him.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.