Ronald Cook

Ronald Gene Cook was born to Elmer and Laura (Wacker) Cook on September 17, 1936, in McCook, Nebraska. He attended school in Culbertson and graduated with the Culbertson High School class of 1954.

On February 9, 1958, Ronald was united in marriage to Lila Brecht, they just celebrated 67 years of marriage. To their union two sons were born, Rory Gene in 1959 and Richard Alan in 1961.

Ronald worked for the Whitten Hatchery in McCook until they moved to the family farm in 1959, where he was engaged in farming until retiring in 2001. Ronald “Bulldog” drove school buses for 28 years. He also served as a member of the school board for eight years and on the co-op board.

Ronald and Lila were longtime members of Trinity United Methodist Church in Culbertson where he served as the head usher, on many committees and finally as the head custodian. Ron and Lila also enjoyed helping with the MYF, making countless Runzas and assisting with spaghetti dinners. Ron organized a prayer chain for high school students and was instrumental in setting up the hamburger feed for the local high school athletes and their families at the beginning of each school year.

Ron enjoyed reading, especially westerns. He was an avid fan of local high school athletics as well as Husker football and volleyball. At the young age of forty, he also discovered that he had a real passion for snow skiing.

Ronald passed away early Monday morning, March 24, 2025, at Kinship Pointe in McCook at the age of 88.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, infant, Barbara, Karen Kliewer, Virginia Scott; brother, LeRoy Cook; and brothers-in-law, Dorrence Scott and Jerry Applebee; daughter-in-law, Judith Cook; and former daughter-in law, Robin Seabrook.

Survivors include his wife, Lila Cook; sons, Rory Cook and Richard (Kris) Cook; grandchildren: Scott Cook (Lisa Bartholomew), Travis (Rachel) Cook, Lauren (Matt) Gerlitz, Bryce (Stacy) Cook, Alyssa (Christian) Grant and Oliver Carlon; great-grandchildren: Braxton and Maddox Cook, Brandon Cook, Camden and Bailey Gerlitz and Avery and Brooks Grant; sisters, Dorothy (Jim) Groen and Karol Applebee; sister-in-law, Betty Cook; and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation was chosen. A time of fellowship is scheduled for Friday afternoon, April 25, 2025 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

Memorial services are scheduled for 10:30 AM, Saturday morning, April 26, 2025 at the Culbertson Methodist Church with Pastor Alisa Parde officiating. Burial in the Culbertson Cemetery will follow services.

Memorials in Ron’s name are suggested to the Culbertson Rescue Squad or to the Culbertson Methodist Church. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.