Obituary of Thomas Cook

Thomas Cook, 74, Lamar, MO, passed away May 5, 2012 surrounded by his family. Mr. Cook was born November 1, 1937, in Lamar, MO, to Willie and June Bell Cook. He graduated from Lamar High School, class of 1955. Thomas joined the Navy and served from 1956, retiring in 1976. He received three Good Conduct Medals, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal. He served in the Cuban Blockaide, three tours in Vietnam and on four different ships. After retiring from the Navy, Mr. Cook worked for MoDot as a highway department supervisor with 25 years of service. In 1994, he was the first taxi driver for T.A.T.S. Thomas was a member of the First Baptist Church, Lamar. He loved time with his family and enjoyed fishing. Mr. Cook married Shirley Sprouls, January 14, 1978. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Laura Service. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; children, Matt Cook and wife, Dot, Lamar; Dusty Cook, Lamar; Jakob Simmons, Imperial, MO; Michael Simmons, Lamar; Mark Simmons, Lamar; Deborah Geile and husband, Rob, Imperial, MO; 10 grandchildren;1 great grandchild; sisters Norma Leivan, Neosho, MO, and Billie Ann Percy, Jasper, MO. He will be greatly missed.