Billy Cook

Billy Dan Cook, 84, of New Madrid, Mo., passed away Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012, at Chateau Girardeau in Cape Girardeau, where he was a resident since June 2011.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carlotta Phillips Cook; mother, Velma Cook Davis; father, Charles Alfred Cook; two brothers, Charles A. Cook Jr. and Jack Calvin Cook; and a stepdaughter, Melissa Dawson Hunter.

Survivors include his wife, Catherine Dawson Cook; a daughter, Karla Kaye Cook Drury (Dan) of Cape Girardeau; a son, William Dan Cook (Jennifer) of Pensacola, Fla.; two stepsons, George W. Dawson Jr. (Jane Ann) and Hayden K. Dawson (Lisa) of New Madrid; two stepdaughters, Malinda Dawson Grunwald (Jeff) of Memphis, Tenn., and Dixie M. Dawson of St. Louis; a special family friend, Barbara Straker of St. Louis; 15 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Bill was a rural mail carrier for Route 3 in Portageville, Mo., more than 30 years, and also along with his wife owned Cook's Jewelry and Gifts, where he was a watch and jewelry repairman.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in World War II.

Bill had a lifelong love of music and singing that he passed on to both his children. Many may remember him singing with the popular 4 Bills gospel quartet, or leading worship at First Baptist Church and Trinity Baptist Church in Portageville, where he served many years as worship leader.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville, with a celebration of life service at 6:30 p.m.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Immaculate Conception Church in New Madrid, with interment immediately following in Portageville Cemetery.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society.