RICHARD “RICK” OTTO COOK

JASPER- A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Iantha Baptist Church for Richard “Rick” Otto Cook, 71, Jasper, who died Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023.

Arrangements are under the direction of Konantz Warden Funeral Home, Lamar.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with final expenses.

Condolences may be left online at www.konantzwarden.com

Survivors include his wife Melody; children, Neil Cook and wife Amber and Kerri Mapes and husband Scott; grandchildren Timothy Cook and wife Jamie, Taylor Cook, Kristina “Tyler” Cook, Silas Cook, Zachary Mapes and wife Kyra, Megan Mapes, Lydia Mapes and Hannah Mapes. He is also survived by great grandchildren, Miles, Ryan, Lyla, Kyle, Titan, Kyra, Jayleigh, Tripp and Cooper; and siblings, Loretta Reynolds, Viola Eileen Payne and husband Gary and Arthur Cook and wife Jeanie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, James Cook and an infant brother, David Cook.

Mr. Cook was born in Rock Island, Ill., to Otto and Annabelle (Peak) Cook. The family moved and he grew up in Independence, where he graduated in 1970 from William Chrisman High School. He married Melody Vroman at Immanuel Baptist Church in 1971.

He worked several places in his life including Western Electric, Howard Johnsons and as a bus driver. He was also a truck driver for Cargo Transporters and other companies for over 20 years. His hobbies included trivia, bowling, reading and doing crossword puzzles. He liked to sing and attended Iantha Baptist Church where he led the worship service.

He was a good and loving father and husband and he will be missed by his family and friends.