Fred Thomas Cook's Obituary
Frederick “Fred” T. Cook, age 84 of Fall River, KS, passed away on Monday, May 17, 2021 at his home.
Fred was born November 14, 1936 in Arkansas City, KS to Lowell and Eva (Westbrook) Cook. He grew up alongside one brother and 2 sisters, and graduated from Douglass High School. He grew up with 2 great influences in his life, his uncle Oscar Hein and wrestling coach Billy Doyle.
On May 25, 1956, Fred married Frankie Jean Miller in Miami, Oklahoma. Together, they raised their children, Tom, Jeannie, and Vickie, and in just a few days, would’ve celebrated 65 years together. The family lived in Douglass, KS, and Fred spent 13 years working for Boeing. He then went to work as a welder for Burlington Northern Railroad, dedicating over 27 years to the company. The family moved to Fall River when Fred’s uncle Oscar and aunt Sadie got older and needed someone to look after them.
Fred enjoyed hunting and fishing. His passion though, was helping kids. He taught several Fredonia boys how to wrestle and some of them went to state. He was also known to buy a fishing pole and tackle box for kids if they didn’t have a father figure in their life. He always made sure to be a good influence and help kids, just like his uncle Oscar and coach Billy did when he was younger.
Fred was a member of the First Christian Church in Fall River, the Douglass Masonic Lodge #151, the Midian Shrine, and York Rite of Kansas for 50 years.
Fred was a loving husband, great dad and grandpa and friend. He will be missed by all that knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Frankie
Daughters
Jeannie Harsin and husband David of Hillsboro, KS
Vickie Bambick and husband Joe of Fredonia, KS
2 grandchildren
Ryan Acker
Matthew Harsin
3 great-grandchildren
Several nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Tom, brother Lowell, Jr., sisters Corene Prazma, Carolyn Cook, aunt and uncle Sadie and Oscar Hein.
Graveside service will be held on Friday, May 21, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Mt. Zion Cemetery, rural Fall River, KS
Memorial contributions can be made in honor of Fred to the Shriners Children’s Hospital or St. Jude Children’s Hospital and can be mailed to or left with the funeral home.
Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 420 S. 20th, PO Box 247, Fredonia, KS 66736
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