Richard Cook Obituary

Richard Eugene Cook, 86, passed away Sunday, January 10, 2021, at Taylor House in Des Moines. Services will be held 1 pm Friday, January 15, 2021, at Westover Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Richard was born May 11, 1934, in Cedar Falls, IA, to Kenneth and Ina (Reece) Cook. He married Marlys Cook on August 22, 1954, at the Bethlehem Church in Cedar Falls, IA. Together they enjoyed 65 years of marriage before Marlys passed away in 2019. Richard and Marlys had known each other since the day of their birth in the same hospital one day apart. They began dating after a blind date, resulting in their lifelong commitment to one another.

Richard worked as a Vice President for AmerUs Bank for 25 years, retiring in 1995. He worked in finance for most of his life after returning from the US Army.

Richard had a great sense of humor and enjoyed a good laugh. He loved to give his nurses a hard time and make them laugh. Richard liked to travel and vacation with his family. In the later years, he and Marlys would camp in their RV and invite their kids over for bonfires and dinner. He and Marlys loved to winter in AZ in their condo for over 20 years. Richard was a Za Ga Zig Shriner and part of the Diplomats, you may remember them for the their convertibles in all the main parades around town. He was also a member of the Royal Jesters, a Polk City Masonic Lodge member, and part of the Isaac Walton League.

Richard is survived by his son, David (Cheryl) Cook of West Des Moines, IA; daughter, Susan Cook of Des Moines, IA; grandchildren, Austin Cook, Anna Cook. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlys Cook; parents; brother, Robert Cook.

The family will receive friends from 12 - 1 pm Friday, January 15, 2021, at Westover Funeral Home in Des Moines. Contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, American Lung Association. Online condolences will be welcomed at www.IlesCares.com.

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