Joseph Paul "Pappy" Cook, 68, of Raytown, MO passed away in his home on Saturday, February 1, 2014 in the loving presence of his wife & children. He was born July 18, 1945 to Paul & Ruth Cook. He attended St. James Catholic Elementary School & Bishop Lillis High School. He went on to receive his Associates Degree from Donnelly College in Kansas City, KS.
During his senior year of High School Joe had the wonderful fortune of meeting the love of his life, Charlotte Ann Buckman. The two dated throughout the remainder of their high school careers as well as college. They were married on August 19, 1967 at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, marking the beginning of the beautiful life they would share together. Throughout the course of their lives they were blessed with four children & eight grandchildren. Joe often enjoyed quoting his father stating, "if I would have known grandchildren were this much fun, I would've had them first!"
After college Joe began his career with the United States Post Office, first working as a letter carrier & later as a station manager. He retired after 30 years of civil service. For 17 years Joe also served his state & country as a member of the Missouri National Guard, where he worked as an army medic, obtaining the rank of Sergeant First Class (E7). Joe was an active member of the community. He was a member of St. Bernadette's Catholic Church in KCMO, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. He coached various volleyball & basketball teams for St. Bernadette's Catholic School where his four children attended. He volunteered as a statistician for the O'Hara High School football team for more than 15 years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Anyone who knew Joe knew that he had a passion for the Boy Scouts of America. His scouting career spanned 62 years. As a boy in Kansas City troop 54 he obtained the highest rank of scouting, Eagle Scout. He continued his scouting career in Explorer Squadron 54, where he earned the Silver Award in Exploring. Expecting to take a break from the Boy Scouts as a newlywed husband, Joe was asked to serve as the Scoutmaster for Guardian Angels troop 142, who could not find anyone to take up the post. Understanding his commitment to the younger & weaker, Joe took up the role. Later, he would instill that same passion in his two sons, both of whom achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with the loving support of their father. Joe loved attending summer camp at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation in Osceola, MO. Joe is a member of the tribe of Mic-O-Say & served as a member of the tribal council as a Sachem.
|