Thomas Gene “Tom” Cook, 63, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell.
Tom was born September 7, 1958 in Russell, the son of Bob and Norma Jean (Tomlin) Cook. He lived all of his life in Russell. He attended Bickerdyke Special Education Class and received a diploma from Russell High School in the Class of 1981. He then attended the Reed Center in Hays, Kansas since 1982 and the Pioneer Center in Russell since 2019. He was a paperboy for the Russell Daily News for many years. He was a member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church, Russell Rough Riders, Russell Boy Scouts, and Larks of Plainville, Kansas. He enjoyed participating in the Special Olympics, playing basketball and tennis, bowling, listening to music on his record player and attending Church choir practice with his mom. He was an outgoing person who loved to be around people, constantly shaking hands and was friendly and always smiling.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents and uncle Jerry Lowenstein.
Surviving family include his aunt, Kay Lowenstein of Manhattan, Kansas; guardian, Judy Riebel (Perry) of Russell, Kanas; cousins, Mark Lowenstein (Michelle) and Matt Lowenstein and other cousins; and many close friends.
The family of Tom would like to take this moment to thank the community of Russell for all the support given to our family through the years. When Tom was very young more than 200 volunteers (young and old) help pattern him each week in the Cook home hoping to improve his life. Your outpouring of love and conern for Tom has been tremendous and will never be forgotten.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at the Otterbien United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Viewing will be held from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Tuesday, November 09, 2021 at the mortuary. Family will greet guest from 9:30 AM to Service Time at the Church the morning of the service on Wednesday. Memorials have been established with Russell Rough Riders or Otterbein United Methodist Church. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.