Randy Dale Cook, 59 of Butler, Missouri passed away December 17, 2012 at his home in Butler surrounded by his family.
Randy was born August 31, 1953 in Butler, the son of Grant and Betty (Mahan) Cook. He grew up and attended school in Butler, graduating in 1971. He was very active in sports all throughout his younger years, particularly baseball and football. Notably, his pitching skills earned him the nickname “Rock’n Fire.” Randy played on the American Legion Team. On the football field, his skills earned him the nickname of “Rook,” which he is still called today by close friends.
Randy married Debra Ann Berkebile, his high school sweetheart, November 9, 1974, and to this union, two sons were born.
Throughout Randy’s life, he enjoyed spending time with friends and family, and listening to and playing music. Early on Randy found a love of music through his brothers Roy and Jerry; Randy then passed that love of music on to his own family, attending countless concerts together throughout his life. It should be mentioned that Randy’s sons know all the Eagles songs by heart, and they will pass that love of music on to their children as well.
Years ago, a Sunday morning ritual was to gather at Grandma and Grandpa (“Bluster”) Cook’s house on High Street in Butler for coffee and ‘taters and eggs with “the Mayor,” (brother Jerry), sister Shirley, brother-in-law Delbert, and brother Roy. That old kitchen table has seen some good spills, some great conversations, and even better arguments! The past few years, he and Debbie enjoyed many trips to the home of his sister and brother-in-law Kay and Ken in Hiram, Georgia. Many, many good times were had by the pool and under the gazebo with the music and drinks flowing.
Randy began working for MoDOT in 1974, and retired in 2008 as an area supervisor. On October 24, 2011, his new role became “Papa” with the birth of his first grandchild. Randy enjoyed getting down on the floor and interacting with his grandson, Beckett Dale, who is named for Randy.
In his retirement, Randy developed a love of limestone and began building an elaborate limestone patio at his home, the rocks for which were mined by him and Debbie. He enjoyed reading, especially books about the CIA, wars, and current events. He had a passion for Mizzou Sports, coupled with a love/hate relationship with the University’s head football coach, Gary Pinkel. His sons often received numerous text messages containing expletives regarding play-calling, personnel, and in-game adjustments.
Randy was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers. He is survived by his wife Debbie of Butler; his two sons, Blake Cook and wife Ashley, parents of Randy’s grandson, Beckett; and Bayler Cook and wife Christine, all of Roeland Park, Kansas. He also leaves behind two sisters: Shirley Umstattd and husband Delbert of Ballard, Missouri, and Kay Hager and husband Ken of Hiram, Georgia; sister-in-law Gayle Cook of Butler; numerous nieces and nephews, and his furry friend Burke.
