William F. Cook

William F. Cook, 92, of Shawnee, KS, formerly of Topeka, passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2012 at his residence. He was born July 20, 1919 in Harveyville, KS, the son of Clarence LeRoy and Hope Pauline Grigsby Cook. He graduated from Manhattan High School in 1937. While attending Kansas State University he lettered in football in 1941. Anyone who met Bill quickly learned of his love for KSU football. Bill played football for KSU and was drafted by both the Philadelphia Eagles and Uncle Sam. After the war Bill returned to KSU where he obtained a BS of Physical Education in 1947.


Bill served in the US Army as a Medical Noncommissioned Officer in the Medical Department of the 155th Infantry, 31st Division from February 1942 to December 1945 in the Pacific Theater. He was awarded the Bronze Star for rendering combat surgical care of his fellow service men. Bill worked for 35 1/2 years for the Veteran's Administration as a Corrective Therapist at both Winter General Hospital now known as Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center in Topeka, Ks. and Wadsworth VA Hospital now known as Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth, Ks. As a Corrective Therapist, Bill assisted veteran's from WW II, Korea and Vietnam regain their capability to stand, walk and return to work.


Bill married Margaret Krienitz (the only woman that he ever kissed) on February 8, 1946 and ultimately had three beautiful daughters. She preceded him in death on August 12, 2002. He was also a member of the American Legion, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and the National Corrective Therapy Association, where he served as National Research Chairman for one year. Bill coached an American Legion Junior baseball team in the late 50's taking his team to the State finals. An avid bowler he was a member of the Leavenworth Skyway Lanes 250 club. He collected records, was an avid reader and was unbeatable at croquet even at 90 years old.


Bill was active in several ministries in the First United Methodist Church in Leavenworth, Ks. However, Bill's most important ministry was being a loving caregiver to his beloved wife Margaret from 1985 to 2002 when she passed. In 2004 Bill moved to Shawnee, Ks. where he quickly made new friends at Shawnee United Methodist Church. Until last year, Bill was a door greeter at his church and could call each member by name.


Bill was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Hope Cook his stepmother Evelyn Cook, brothers, Robert and Wayne Cook. He is survived by brothers, Max Cook of Copan, OK., Bruce Cook of Topeka, Ks., John Cook of Abilene, Ks. Daughters: Candis K. (Ron) Sloup, Rebecca M. (Joe) Christ of Topeka, Ks. , Billie Gish (Bruce) of Shawnee, Ks. Grandchildren, Christine D. Allison of Wichita, Ks. Grant G. Gish and Elliott E. Gish of Shawnee, Ks. Great- grandchildren, Tim, Danielle and Jerrica and Andrew Blaes (deceased), Great- great- granddaughter, Aeriauna Helsel.


Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, March 31st. 2012 at 10 a.m. at Shawnee United Methodist Church, 10700 Johnson Drive Shawnee, KS. Private inurnment will take place in Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka, Ks. at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Shawnee United Methodist Church 10700 Johnson Drive Shawnee, KS 66203. Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel in Topeka, Ks. is assisting the family.