Larry Cook

Larry Gene Cook, son of the late Roy and Stella Hartmann Cook, was born Tuesday, Sept. 9, 1947, at the family farm and home just outside of Whitewater. He was born on his brother William D. "Dub" Cook's first birthday and was the sixth of 11 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.

Larry Cook

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

Larry left on a plane bound for Vietnam on Dec. 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 excavator and was so good at it that his commanding officers would brag he could pick your pocket with it. He left the Army as a specialist-four. He was awarded the Order of the Silver Rose in July 2006.

Larry was a construction worker for Drury Co. of Cape Girardeau for 37 years, retiring in December 2008. He was a member of Jackson American Legion Post 158, Chaffee Elks Lodge 1810, Whitewater Masonic Lodge 417 and Cape Girardeau Carpenters Local 1770.

He was baptized at Zion United Methodist Church in Gordonville as a baby and was a member of Whitewater United Methodist Church in Whitewater 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 brothers, Glen (Mary Ellen) Cook of Cape Girardeau, W.D "Dub" Cook of Chaffee, Bill Cook of Delta and Rick (Vickie) Cook of Whitewater; sisters, Mary Francis (Von) Ridings of Cape Girardeau, Brenda Leimbach of Fruitland, Linda (Don) Rodgers of Gordonville and Peggy (Mark) Culbertson of Fruitland; a special aunt and uncle, Randy "Poopsie" and Connie Spane of Chaffee; 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; brothers, Jim and Ray Cook; and a nephew, Shannon Cook.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Don Khuele officiating. 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 at the funeral home to place the note. A memory book will be created for his grandsons with these beautiful memories.

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

Online condolences may be shared at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.