Funeral Services for William “Bill” E. Cook, Age 80 of Licking, Missouri will be held on Wednesday, October 21st, 2026 at The Fox Funeral Home Chapel, Licking, Missouri, beginning at 10:00 AM. Visitation will be held at The Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 20th, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 PM. Burial will take place in The Craddock Cemetery, Licking, Missouri.
William (Bill) Eugene Cook, 80, of Licking, Missouri, passed away at Phelps Health in Rolla on October 18, 2026. Bill was born on November 26, 1945, in Kinder Post, Missouri, to Herbert and Gladys (Ellis) Cook.
Bill married Wilma Williams on January 1, 1966, and together they raised two sons, Tony and Cory, who were a great source of pride throughout his life.
Bill worked for the Painters Union for 30 years. He was an outdoorsman at heart and enjoyed just about anything that involved being outside. He loved raising cattle and caring for animals, as well as hunting deer and turkey. Coon hunting was another passion of Bill’s, and he was quite accomplished at it, earning more than 100 trophies for his wins in coon hunts. He also enjoyed playing softball, but one of his greatest joys was coaching his boys’ Little League baseball teams. Bill took great pride in watching his boys grow up, and that pride only grew as his family expanded. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren meant the world to him, and he was proud of each and every one of them.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Wilma Cook; his sons, Tony Cook (Debbie) and Cory Cook (Dustina); his grandchildren, Kaida, Hannah, Kale, Kyson, Kacey, Bailee, Kendyl, Bryor, Barrett, Kylar, Dalrayn and Daiza; his great-grandchildren, Kova and Olivia; and his siblings, Roy Cook (Nancy), Margaret Little, Cheryl Shores (Mike), and Mary Kimrey (Scott); In-laws, Leon (Sharon) Williams and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Gladys Cook; his brothers, Charlie Cook (Faye) and Herbert Ray Cook (Mable); his in-laws, Jim Little, Gary (Faye) Hildebrand, Paul (Shirley) Hazel, and Donald Ray Williams; and his nephew, Brent Shores.
Bill will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, his many accomplishments, and above all, his deep pride in his family. The memories he made and the love he shared will live on through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will carry his legacy with them always.
