Larry Gene Cook

Larry Gene Cook, son of the late Roy and Stella Hartmann Cook, was born on Tuesday, September 9, 1947 at the family farm and home just outside of Whitewater, MO. He was born on his brother William D. “Dub” Cook’s first birthday and was the sixth of eleven children.   He departed his earthly home to meet Jesus on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at his home with his favorite two girls, his wife and daughter, beside him at the age of 72.

He met the love of his life at the Chaffee Skating Rink and they had their first date on November 8, 1966. Eight months later on July 8, 1967, he was united in marriage to Janet Wilson at the Assembly of God Church in Chaffee, MO. She survives of the home.

Larry left on a plane bound for Vietnam on December 8, 1969 and returned home to his bride in November 1970 just in time for Thanksgiving. He was trained as a combat engineer and served his tour 150 miles south of Long Binh. He operated a gradall and was so good at it that his commanding officers would brag that he could pick your pocket with it. He left the army as an SP4. He was awarded the Order of the Silver Rose in July 2006.

Larry was a construction worker for Drury Company of Cape Girardeau, MO for 37 years, retiring in December 2008. He was a member of the Jackson American Legion Post #0158, Chaffee Elks Lodge #1810, Whitewater Masonic Lodge #417 and Cape Girardeau Carpentars’ Local #1770.

He was baptized at Zion United Methodist Church in Gordonville, MO as a baby and was a member of the Whitewater United Methodist Church in Whitewater, MO for 62 years.

Larry was a simple man and was the happiest when his family was happy. When asked what he wanted for Christmas, he’d be known to say, “Just save your money. I don’t need anything.” He enjoyed watching western cowboy movies, candy and sweets, sports, watching his three grandsons play sports and camping just to name a few. His most prized possessions were his family. In addition to his wife, Larry is survived by the apple of his eye, his daughter Lana and son-in-law Sid Atkins. He had three perfect (he made sure everyone knew it) grandsons; Peyton, Kade and Ty Atkins. Survivors also include four brothers; Glen (Mary Ellen) Cook of Cape Girardeau, MO, W.D “Dub” Cook of Chaffee, MO, Bill Cook of Delta, MO and Rick (Vickie) Cook of Whitewater, MO; four sisters; Mary Francis (Von) Ridings of Cape Girardeau, MO, Brenda Leimbach of Fruitland, MO, Linda (Don) Rodgers of Gordonville, MO and Peggy (Mark) Culbertson of Fruitland, MO; a special aunt and uncle, Randy “Poopsie” and Connie Spane of Chaffee, MO and many, many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and dear friends.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law; David “Bert” and Helen Wilson, two brothers; Jim and Ray Cook and a nephew; Shannon Cook.

Visitation will be on Friday, June 19 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm at the Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee. Funeral Service will be conducted on Saturday at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel at 10:00 am with Rev. Don Khuele. Burial will follow at Union Park Cemetery in Chaffee.

The family asks that all those who can, please write down your favorite “Larry” memory. There will be a box to place the note at the funeral home. A memory book will be created for his grandsons with these beautiful memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Whitewater United Methodist Church.