William E. Cooke

Funeral services for William E. "Cookie" Cooke, 83, of Junction City will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, November 17, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church with Reverend Phil Fischer officiating. Burial will follow at Wreford Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 16, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel, 203 N. Washington. Mr. Cooke passed away on November 12, 2011 at Valley View Senior Life Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions have been designated to the Boy Scout Troop 64, 804 N. Jefferson, Junction City, KS 66441.

Mr. Cooke was born March 31, 1928 Kalamazoo, MI to William A. and Cecile A. (Smith) Cooke. He enlisted in the United States Army August 31, 1948 serving during the Korean War, he was honorably discharged as a Corporal July 19, 1952. He then worked for Irvin Construction for 28 years.

He married Wilma J. Evans March 4, 1951, Junction City, KS she survives of the home.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and served on the Board of Trustees and Church Administration Board and served in various positions with the Boy Scouts for 21 years including as Scout Master Leader and was a recipient of the Silver Beaver award. He also served as President of the Good Sam Camping Club. He enjoyed camping and building furniture and loved spending time with his grandchildren, he was such a people person and will be missed by his family and many friends.

Other survivors include his son, Stacey Cooke and wife Laurie of Junction City, KS, daughter, Cynthia King and husband Larry of Fort Walton Beach, FL, his brother, Robert I. Cooke and wife Polly of Kalamazoo, MI, five grandchildren, Jason King, Maranda King, Bethany Cooke, Katie Kidwell and Briana Cooke, five great-grandchildren, Ashton King-Alcares, Emma Ritchie, Lacey Kidwell, Miles Kidwell, Callen Cooke and step-great-granddaughter Cara Clementz.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandchild, Clayton Cooke.