John Wesley Cook, Jr. (1860-1944)

COOK, BARNES, BAKER, HANDSAKER, FRALEY, TUDOR

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/17/2021 at 16:53:13

From Nevada Evening Journal November 2, 1944 (page 3)

Funeral Services for John W. Cook, Jr. Largely Attended

A large number of relatives and friends were assembled Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Nevada Church of Christ to pay their last tribute of love and respect to John W. Cook, Jr., 84, estimable citizen, who had passed away Sunday night after an illness of three weeks. Death was due to heart complications.

The church was banked with flowers which were expressive of the esteem in which the deceased was held in this community.

The services were opened with the hymn,"Beautiful Isle" sung by Mrs. C. V. Pence followed by the invocation and scripture reading by the pastor the Rev. Richard Dawson. The obituary was also read by Rev. Dawson.

The funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. C. V. Pence of Laurens, former pastor of the Nevada Church of Christ and long time friend of the deceased The Rev. L. Roy Palmerton offered prayer.

The closing hymn "Have Thine Own Way" was sung by Mrs. Pence. Mrs. Marley Lobaugh was at the piano.

Active pall bearers were Marley Lobaugh, Myron Boten, Clyde Hostetter, Robert Ogden, Lyle McConnell and Grover Lacey. The honorary pall-bearers were John Lundy, Terrill White, J. C. Hilburn, Frank Tudor, Charles Knight and B. F. Carr.

The flowers were in charge of Mrs. W. W. Hrras, Mrs. H. D. Patterson and Mrs. Robert Ogden.

The following life sketch of the deceased was read during the services:

John W. Cook, Jr., was born in Story county on March 19, 1860, and passed away at his home Sunday night at 11:15 p. m. October 27, 1944 at the age of 84 years, 7 months and 8 days. John W. Cook, Jr. was the son of Sarah and James W. Cook and one of nine children born and reared in that family. His father had come to Story county in 1849 from Ohio, returning to Ohio in 1857 to be married to Sarah E. Barnes. Brothers in the family were George, Lewis, James and Fred Cook, and sisters Mary Handsaker, and Anna Fraley, and two children who died in infancy.

On February 2, 1887 Mr. Cook was married to Marietta Baker at Colo, Iowa. The young couple established their home in Richland township on the farm four mile northeast of Nevada. For many years he was active in the school and township affairs, particularly during the time his family was growing up. For years he served as township clerk of Richland township. Besides the many community affairs, Mr. Cook was a firm supporter of the church, never missing a Sunday at church, unless because of sickness or being away from home. Mr. Cook has served the Nevada Church of Christ during its history, as board chairman and in other capacities which he merited by his loyalty and faithfulness.

Mr. Cook and his family moved to town during the year 1917 where he continued his active interest in business, town and church affairs. For several years he served on the town council and was also manager of the Nevada Shipping Association. The Nevada Evening Journal paid especial tribute to Mr. Cook when they wrote "Mr. Cook has always been recognized for his traits of honesty, industry and integrity."

During the last few years Mr. Cook has been very much interested in his garden and home, always doing something to make it more attractive and beautiful. Since the passing of his beloved wife on June 20, 1943, Mrs. Emma Handsaker has been in the home.

Mr. Cook is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Myrtle Tudor of near Nevada, his son Lee Cook, 708 Sixth street and by four grand children, T-Sgt. Harry Cook who is stationed in Texas, Earl Tudor, Arlene and Darlene Tudor. Also by one brother, James Cook of Nevada and one sister, Mrs. Anna Fraley of Charbonneu, North Dakota.

John Cook will be missed by his many relatives and friends, but his memory will encourage and stimulate those who knew him best to better living.

Among the relatives from a distance in attendance at the last rites were Mrs. Fred Cook, her son and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Glen Cook of Albert Lea, Minn., with a number from Colo and Maxwell.