Preston L. Cook, Jr., 81, of Fayetteville, PA, passed away on Tuesday morning, October 20, 2026, at the Chambersburg hospital. Born July 23,1945, in Chambersburg, he was a son of the late Preston L. Cook, Sr., and Dorothy L. Thompson Cook.
Preston was a graduate of CASHS in 1963. A veteran, he served honorably in the US army. He dedicated more than 30 years of his career to law enforcement, serving as a Police Officer with the Chambersburg Police Department and later the Shippensburg Police Department until his retirement. Preston took great pride in his work in law enforcement, viewing it not simply as a career, but as a calling and one of his greatest accomplishments. He also served as an Electronics Technician at South Mountain Restoration Center and as a Deputy Sheriff with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. In addition, he was the owner of Pete’s Electrical Service. Preston was a member of the New Franklin Volunteer Fire Company, American Legion Post 46, Am Vets Post 224, and the Waynesboro Moose Lodge 1309.
In his free time, Preston enjoyed hunting, shooting, and collecting firearms and sports cards. One of his greatest joys was following his grandson Tommy’s career in the minor leagues. He was a devoted supporter who never missed a game and took tremendous pride in watching Tommy pursue his passion. Above all else, Preston cherished his family. Time spent with those he loved meant the world to him, and he was especially proud that his first great grandson had been named after him-a meaningful honor he held close to his heart. He also treasured the companionship of his beloved dog, Rufus, who held a special place in his life. Preston will be remembered for the pride he took in his service, the dedication he brought to his work, and, most importantly, the love he had for his family.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Helen Marie Whisner Cook, whom he married on October 30, 1994; four children, Beth Aughenbaugh (Scott), Sue Davis (Doug Scott), Darwin Waybright, Jr. (Heather), and Michael Waybright (Terri Dehart); seven grandchildren, Austin Davis, Jake Molsky, (Madison), Luke Molsky, Thomas Molsky, Bennett Waybright, Ayden Waybright, and Caleb Waybright; one sister, Susan Truett (Richard); Leila Rohrer who was like another daughter and special to Preston; and one great grandson, Preston Molsky. Aside from his parents, Preston was preceded in death by two siblings, Voneda Mansberger and Roger Cook.
Funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, October 23, 2026, in the chapel of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, 333 Falling spring Road, Chambersburg, PA 17202. Madison Molsky will officiate. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Antietam Humane Society, 8513 Lyons Rd, Waynesboro, PA 17268. Condolences and memories may be shared at geiselfuneralhome.com
