Alvin Gene Cook, 78, of Sedalia, passed away Thursday, February 18, 2021, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg.
He was born June 1, 1942, in Sutter Creek, CA, son of Garland and Goldie (Dillard) Cook.
On December 24, 1967, in Las Vegas, NV, he married Lynda L. (Hardinge).
Gene served honorably in the U.S. Air Force for six years during the Vietnam era.
He moved to Sedalia from California in 2004. His jobs included delivering furniture for Sears, custodian, mechanic and bus driver for Antelope Valley School District, but most recently he drove a tour bus, retiring in 2003. Gene was talented at working with his hands and building or fixing things. He also enjoyed reading and watching old westerns. He was a member of Katy Park Baptist Church and the Post Polio Survivors of Branson, MO.
Surviving are his wife, Lynda, of the home; four children: Tina Cook of Stockton, CA, Gene Cook Jr. (Yesenia) of Sedalia, Michael Cook (Christine) of Sedalia, and Mark Cook (Liz) of Littleton, ME; thirteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; a brother, Jim Cook; and a sister, Melba Qualls.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Michelle “Chelle” Cook; two grandchildren, Carl and Ian; a brother, Samuel Cook; and a sister, Carolyn Baxley.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 25, 2021, at Heckart Funeral Home, with Rev. Jon Church officiating.
Casket bearers will be Tina Cook, Gene Cook Jr., Michael Cook, Meghan Brambila, Jace Cook and Francisco Rodriguez.
Honorary bearers will be Anthony Cook, Tristan Cook, Brendan Cook and Juan Rodriguez.
Burial will be in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, with military honors by the U.S. Air Force and VFW Post 2591.
The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time Thursday at the funeral home.