Rodney Charles Cook, 80, of rural Lucas, Kansas, passed away June 3, 2023, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.
Rodney was born April 2, 1943, in Russell, Kansas, the son of Earl Edwin and Florence Elizabeth (Luerman) Cook of Bunker Hill, Kansas. Rodney attended Cliff Rural School (a one-room school south of Dorrance, Kansas), through his elementary school years. Rodney attended two years at Dorrance High School, transferring to Bunker Hill High School, where he graduated in 1961. Following high school graduation, Rodney worked for several road construction crews, including doing dirt work for the Wilson Lake project.
Rodney was united in marriage to Elnora Mae “Shorty” Duvall of rural Lucas, Kansas, at Dubuque Immanuel Lutheran Church on November 11, 1962. They made their home in rural Russell County and began a farming/ranching operation. Rodney and Elnora remained inseparable and totally devoted to each other throughout their married life.
Rodney was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966, completing boot camp at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He was then stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia to continue service training. In 1967, Rodney was granted emergency honorable discharge, in order to help Elnora with the farming operation.
Rodney was a member of the American Legion and the Bunker Hill United Methodist Church. He enjoyed all aspects of farming and ranching, and especially enjoyed visiting with family and friends. Rodney had great empathy for children experiencing serious illness. He contributed faithfully to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and kept a picture of “my girl” on his desk.
Rodney was preceded in death by his parents and wife Elnora. He is survived by his sisters Crystal Dana and Lana Green, and brother Ryan Cook (Kathy), all of Bunker Hill; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, with family present from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A celebration of Rodney’s life will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the mortuary. Burial will follow at the Bunker Hill City Cemetery. A memorial has been established with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.