Kenneth Byrl Cook

Kenneth Byrl Cook, age 74, of Lee’s Summit, MO passed away on March 21, 2022, at Cedarhurst, Blue Springs, MO. He was born on June 24, 1947 in Kansas City, Kansas the son of Paul Kenneth and Electa June (Spangler) Cook.

Following Ken’s graduation from Argentine High School (Kansas City, KS) in 1965 he enlisted in the United States Army and was deployed to Fulda, Germany to serve our country during the Vietnam War. Kenneth met the love of his life Lucye Mae Oliver and they married on November 14, 1969, in Miami, OK. Once his tour of duty ended Kenneth continued to serve in the United States Army and later Airforce Reserves through 1982. He worked at Ford Motor Company in Claycomo, MO. for 33 years and was a proud active member of the UAW 249.

His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. He has been described as big man with an even bigger heart. He was easy going with a great sense of humor who often found the antics of his 3 daughters and grandchildren humorous. Kenneth always challenged himself. He had a thirst for knowledge and was quick to embrace change. His 3 daughters knew he had to secretly be a superhero because there wasn’t anything he couldn’t figure out. He was a welder by trade, but as someone with a thirst for knowledge, in 1979 he bought one of the first Tandy computers and taught himself how to use it. Later, when Lucye wanted a new coffee table but couldn’t find the exact one, he taught himself wood working and built a coffee table to her specifications. Ken also taught himself to play guitar and enjoyed singing (his singing would often elicit eyerolls from one of his girls). When his daughter Rhonda bought her first house without central AC, he taught himself all about HVAC and installed one in her house. He always drove a Ford truck but had a love of motorcycles. He was a loving man who worked long, hard hours to give his family the best life possible. He was an accomplished painter who specialized in oil landscapes. He also enjoyed traveling, fishing, and working on the house and yard. He loved with his whole heart and was always quick to help anyone.

He is survived by his 4 children: Rhonda (Husband: Bret) Savage of Raymore, MO., Sonya (Husband: Will) Hibdon of Grain Valley, MO., Krystal (Husband: Pete) Pine of Oak Grove, MO. Jason Cook of Lee's Summit, MO., nine grandchildren: Ryan Savage, Brandon (Wife: Sarah) Savage, Lacey (Josh) Savage, Kaitlin (Husband: Andrew) Berry, Paula Williams, Chase Hibdon, Derek (Bay) Cross, Kennady Campbell, Keeley Pine. Six Great Grandchildren. Sister: Barbara Kelley of Bonner Springs KS. and many nieces and a nephew.

He was preceded in death by his wife Lucye Mae Cook and his Parents.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Kenneth’s name to support Lewy Body Dementia https://www.weremember.com/kenneth-cook/9m3h/memories