He spent his formative years in the Montrose, Missouri, area, graduating from Montrose High School in 1975. After completing his education, Jeff began a career in 1977 in roofing, maintaining a membership in the Roofers Local Union 20, and eventually became the superintendent at Porter Roofing until his retirement in 2016. He also worked at Elder RV during this time. Apart from his careers, Jeff met and married his high school sweetheart, Tami Elder in 1984, his wife of 35 years: to this union two daughters were born: Brittany and Cassidy.
Early in life Jeff had a passion for farming, working on his parent’s farm. Nevertheless, what defined his character was his wealth of knowledge. He was a renaissance man through and through, who could describe every process that went into musical production to the inner workings of every Massey-Ferguson tractor model. Jeff was also meticulous in every detail of his life, ensuring the perfection of anything he did; while he may not have been the fastest to complete a job, it was always done right. He further volunteered a great deal of his time sitting on the Appleton City School Board for 13 years. Jeff was also a lifelong devoted Christian. Along with this, being outdoors and a love of nature remained with him throughout his life. He especially loved cutting wood and having bonfires, where he regularly shared tales with friends and family for many long hours. Ultimately, a love for his family, especially his daughters that he was so proud of, defined his life. He truly enjoyed the company of his large family and numerous friends, who will deeply miss him.
He is preceded in death by his father, Cecil Cook; his sister, Patricia Cook, and an infant brother, Paul Cook; and his father-in-law, James I. Elder.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Tamberla F. Cook; two daughters: Brittany P. and Cassidy V. Cook; his mother, Alice Cook; five siblings: Debbie (Bill) Vogel, Phil (Lisa) Cook, Jenny (Mike) Mitchell, Chris (Shannon) Cook, and Bill Cook; his mother-in-law, Patty Elder; one sister-in-law, Tricia (Mark) Evans; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, good friends, and his dogs, Ozzy and Zoey.
There will be a MEMORIAL SERVICE for Jeff at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at Hill and Son Funeral Home in Appleton City, Missouri.
The MINISTER for the service will be Pastor Ryan Compos.
The family suggests any MEMORIAL donations be given to Heartland Hospice.
