Nelson Gail Cook

Nelson Gail Cook, 83, of McGirk, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2020, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City, Missouri. He was born on April 19, 1936, in McGirk, the son of Luther and Nellie Frances (Wyss) Cook, both of whom preceded him in death. In 1955, Nelson graduated from California High School. On October 12, 1958, at Lebanon Baptist Church in McGirk, Nelson was married to LaVerne Allee, who survives of the home. Nelson was drafted into the United States Army on May 1, 1959, served on Active Duty through April 1965, then served in the Reserves through the Fall of 1964 attaining the rank of Sergeant E-6. He worked for MODOT for 47 years in the Research Division. He was a lifetime member of Lebanon Baptist Church, serving as a Deacon, was Chairman of the Building Committee when the new sanctuary was built and served in numerous positions within the church. He was the Vice President of the McGirk Community Association. Nelson volunteered with the Show-Me 4-H Club as Project Leader. He was a very active member of the Moniteau County Gideons. He was a lifelong cattle farmer, a member of the Moniteau County Cattlemen's Association, a member of the Missouri Charolais Breeders Association, and a member of the American International Charolais Association. He was a donor to the Missouri State Fair Foundation. He enjoyed traveling and supported his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in their activities. Along with his wife, Nelson is survived by one son, Nelson Gail Cook ll (Yvonne) of Jamestown, Mo.; two daughters, Valerie Gish of Jefferson City and Andrea Cassil (Matt Schumacher) of Overland Park, Kan.; two grandchildren, Brandon Cook (Joanie) of Jamestown and Chad Cook (Morgann Gregory) of LaMonte, Mo.; two great-grandchildren, Paige Shelton and Tucker Cook; three sisters-in-law, Carolyn Phillips (Kenny), Dorothy Cook and Henrietta Cook; and many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by an infant brother, John Cook; four brothers, Lawrence, Elwood, Richard and Stanley Cook; two sisters-in-law, Anna and Irma Cook; and a granddaughter, Whitney Cook. Funeral Service was held Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Lebanon Baptist Church in McGirk with Rev. Jeremy Barnard and Rev. L.P. Cook III officiating. Interment followed in the Old Lebanon Cemetery with full military honors. Memorials are suggested to the Lebanon Baptist Church, Old Lebanon Cemetery or the Moniteau County Gideons. Arrangements were under the direction of Windmill Ridge Funeral Service. Messages to the family may be contributed at www.windmillridgefuneralservice.com.