Richard Lee Cook, 78, of WaKeeney, KS, passed away November 22, 2022, at his home. Richard was born in Fort Riley, KS on May 5, 1944 to Francis (Frank) Jr. and Lucille (Polifka) Cook. He graduated from Hays High in 1962.

On May 25th, 1968, Richard married Sherry Kathleen Struss in WaKeeney, KS. He worked from that time on at the family farm just west of WaKeeney until he retired (sort of) in 2017.

Richard never knew a stranger. He loved talking to anyone at any time about anything and everything. He enjoyed fishing with his family and talking about the weather with anybody that would listen. He was our personal meteorologist telling us when the fishing was good or bad. And he really enjoyed arguing with his two sons about farming.

He is survived by his wife, Sherry, of the home, sons Tate Cook and wife Bridget, of WaKeeney, Miles Cook and wife Amy of Collyer, five grandchildren, Mikayla Decatur (Brandon), Skylar Wittman, Tatum Cook, Hayden Cook, and Carson Cook and great-grandson Slade Decatur; two brothers Thomas Cook, of Kansas City, and Gerald Cook, of Omaha and one sister Mary Cook and many nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Francis Cook.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, December 3 At Bethlehem Lutheran Church in WaKeeney with a lunch to follow. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to be used according to their wishes and can be sent to the care of Schmitt Funeral Home.