David P. Rook

David (Dave) Pursel Rook was born on Sept 1, 1940 in Medina, NY to Stanley Bruce & Florence Boyle Rook. He was raised in Chillicothe, Ohio and graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1958. He served 3 years in the US Air Force and returned to Chillicothe where he worked various jobs before joining the Navy in 1970.

Dave’s Naval career spanned 24 years with duty stations in Midway Island, HI; Honolulu, HI; Argentia, Newfoundland; Defense Information School, Ft Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, IN; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; and Washington DC where he retired as Navy Journalist Master Chief of Navy Broadcasting. He is remembered as a definitive leader, mentor and friend who played an active role in helping shape the careers of many Navy Journalists, a true “Chief’s Chief.”

Dave loved people and never met a stranger. His warm and gregarious personality attracted friends from all walks of life. He was always quick to open his doors to anyone in need offering whatever he had to help others. Dave will be missed by many.

He and his wife of 32 years, Marjorie (Marge) Rook (Dec 25, 1938 – Aug 17, 2016), believed in serving others. They were active members of the Franklin American Legion Post 205 and American Legion Auxiliary, Franklin IN, where both held many leadership roles. Dave & Marge also volunteered at the USO, served at First Presbyterian Church (Franklin, IN), and various other charitable organizations.

Dave was predeceased by his wife Marge, brother Doug, parents Stanley & Florence, and daughters Pat Stuart and Laura Bowers. He is survived by his sister Diane Foster of Westerville, OH; daughters Beth Rook of Stone Mountain, GA; Patty Rose of Camden, SC; and Becky MacKenzie of Lugoff, SC (Ken); nephew David Foster, and niece Erin Foster; grandchildren Kerriann Banks, Amber Back, Emily MacKenzie, Aimee Flenner, Thomas Rose, Carly Bowers, Sallee Rose, and Ian MacKenzie; and great-grandchildren Lucy, Kevin, John & Jeffrey Banks and Cash Nuno-Rose.

Special thanks to Laura & Larry Tunnell and David & Marti Wooden for their friendship and care. They went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure Dave was loved and cared for especially in recent years after Marge’s passing in 2016.

Friends and loved ones are invited to a celebration of life service at First Presbyterian Church Franklin IN on Saturday November 15th. Family will receive visitors at 1pm prior to the service at 2pm. Burial to follow in Greenlawn Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Legion or a charity of your choice.