Ray Leslie Cook (1893-1969)

COOK, MAYO, STAKER, BRYANT

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 4/27/2014 at 18:42:57

From Nevada Journal July 30, 1969

Ray Cook dies at home in Ames, rites Friday

Ray L. Cook, Sr., a former Nevadan and prominent in area construction, died at his home in Ames Tuesday afternoon at the age of 76.

Mr. Cook, ill of the past eight months, suffered a coronary attack.

Born June 6, 1893 in Nevada, he was the son of James and Addie Cook. He was married to Grace Mable Mayo May 16, 1911 in Des Moines.

Cook was president of the Ray Cook Construction Company in Ames and produced much of the gravel that went on Story County roads and the lime that was used agriculturally.

He was a member of the First Christian Church in Nevada, the B.P.O.E., Ames Golf and Country Club, Ames Town and Country Saddle Club, Past President of the Iowa Limestone Producers Association, and of the Associated General Contractors.

He is survived by his wife Grace, three sons Max of Ames, Kenneth of Fergus Falls, Minn. and Ray Cook Jr., Ames; one daughter, Mrs. Leonard Staker of Nevada; fourteen grandchildren; six great grandchildren; two brothers, James of Tucson, Ariz. and Howard of DeKalb, Ill; and one sister, Mrs. Ruth Bryant of Nevada.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, one daughter, two brothers and one sister.

Friends may call at the Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada until noon Friday when the body will be taken to the Nevada First Christian Church. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. Michael Rush officiating. Burial will be in the Nevada Cemetery.

A memorial fund has been established.