1st SGT Richard “Cookie” Cook of Lansing, Kansas passed away on 14 July 2025 in Lansing. He was born the son of Frank and Clara Cook, born on 7 July 1929 in Provincetown, Massachusetts. He married Kazuko Narita on 16 July 1959 in Sapporo, Japan.
Richard retired from the U.S. Army in July 1975, after 26 years, being last assigned to the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He served during the occupation of Europe, during the Korean conflict and two tours in Vietnam, including the TET Counter Offense. He was wounded in Korea for which he was awarded the Purple Heart. He also received other medals including the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, 2 Bronze Stars, 1 Meritorious Medal Award as well as numerous other awards.
After retirement from the Army, he was employed by the U.S. Penitentiary, Leavenworth, Kansas holding various positions before retiring as the Food Administrator in 1995, after 20 years of service. Richard’s greatest joy was his family and friends (the McDonald’s coffee crew), hunting, fishing, gardening and beanie baby shopping (back in the day).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Clara, his son Edward, 1 sister (Viola) and 5 brothers (Wilbur, Phillip, Joe, Francis and Ralph). Richard’s death, marks the end of a great era of Cooks. He was also preceded in death by his best friend George Potter (wife Nadine).He is survived by his beloved wife Kazuko, son Thomas (wife Kim), son James (wife Cheryl), daughter Brenda (husband Douglas), son Patrick (wife Wendy); 4 granddaughters (Shannon, Heather, Nicole and Megan); 4 grandsons (Blake, Dalton, Chase and Casey) and 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.
Special thanks to the VA Home Health Team, Crittendon Home Care, VA Hospital in Leavenworth (2 nd floor staff), Twin Oaks Assisted Living and Catholic Community Health (Hospice Team).
Interment will be 15 of August at the Leavenworth National Cemetery with full military honors with the family. A celebration of life for family and friends to occur sometime after.
Arrangements entrusted to Davis Funeral Chapel.
