William A Cook

Started medical device company Cook Group in 1963; it specializes in stents and catheters. Has expanded internationally, with units in Europe and Asia. Bright-spot: new catheter for ICUs that's juiced with antibiotics to prevent infections. Runs company with help from son Carl. Spent $500 million to buy and restore French Lick Resort and West Baden Springs Hotel in Indiana, adding a casino and a Pete Dye PGA golf course. Gets favorable reviews, but not enough tourists teeing off, modest casino take. A Bloomington, Indiana celebrity on par with his pals Coach Bobby Knight and rocker John Mellencamp. Donated $15 million for new Indiana basketball facility. In 1957 he married Gayle Karch, who survives him, along with their son, Carl, and a granddaughter.