Kenneth Cecil Cook, 89, of Searcy passed away at his his home on October 17, 2020 with his wife by his side.  He was born April 8, 1931 in Albion, Arkansas, the first born to Stella V. Ferren Cook and Cecil Z. Cook.

 

Kenneth enlisted in the Army November 14, 1949 and served in Company D, 16th Armored Engineer Battalion assigned to the 1st Armored Division in the Korean Conflict. After the Army, he was employed by Phillips 66, surveying for 4 years before returning to Searcy to work for what became Eaton Corporation, retiring after 39 years.  He was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Searcy and lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed visiting and playing Farkle during Senior Night at Church, gardening, and spending time with family.

 

He was proceeded in death by his parents, 2 step-mothers, Ossie Lee Horton Cook and Ruby Hall Weir Cook; his sister, Naomi Louise Gilliam; his brothers, Paul Allen Cook, Wayne Berneal Cook, and Melvin McCoy Cook; and one great-granddaughter, Ivy Michal Cook.

 

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 67 years, Mary Lena Feltrop Cook; his brother, Carl Ray Cook (Frances); his sister, Betty Juanita Feltrop (Herman); his children, Kenneth Wayne Cook (Lillie), Debbie Ann Bond (James), and Anthony Lee Cook (Joni); his grandchildren, Christina Bond Basolo (Bryan), Michael Cook (Tia), Traci Cook Smith (Eric), Jamie Bond Hill (Jimmie), Nicholas Cook, Melissa Cook Davis (Teddy), and Christopher Bond; 12 great-grandchildren, Madison Cook Cole (Blake), William Allen, Jackson James, Lily James, Kate James, Olivia Etheridge, James Hill, Joshua Hill, Isabella Basolo, Elliana Basolo, Jonathan Hill, and Tristan Davis, one great, great-granddaughter, Emriella Cole, and his god-daughter, Michelle Batts Dixon. His will also be greatly missed by numerous close nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

 

He lived many years with Dementia and Alzheimer's but could still tell lots of stories and lit up when his “greats” and “grands” came to visit. We want to thank the workers with Veterans Affairs, Absolute Care, and Hospice for all the care they provided.

 

Covid-19 restrictions will be observed. Viewing will be held Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 9:00-9:45 a.m. with Rosary at 9:30 a.m. and Mass beginning at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church. Military Ceremony to follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Cemetery with escort provided by Arkansas Patriot Guard Riders. Honorary Pallbearers Knights of Columbus.