- Date Of Birth: December 27, 1946
- Date Of Death: February 27, 2022
- State: Indiana
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, 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 2nd 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 4th & Union St., The Other Pub at 3000 S. 9th Street, My Pizza at 3000 S. 9th Street, all in Lafayette and The Wabash Yacht Club in Chauncey Hill Mall, West Lafayette. (Apple Annie’s on 3rd 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 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.
