Kenneth Wayne Cook

Kenneth Wayne Cook, son of Keith Frank Cook and Marlys Lorene Gallman, passed away on January 13, 2025, following a long illness.  He was born in Hialeah, Florida, on September 6, 1953.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife, Colleen Bauder Cook; his sister, Kathy Cook Cappadonna (Roy); his child, Mandi Shoemaker (Eric Malek); his grandchildren, Samantha Shoemaker, Cory Shoemaker (Amethyst Rain), Anne Shoemaker (Luke Weber); and his great-grandson, Rowan Reding.  Also, he leaves behind his stepchildren, Jeremy Upton, Chrystal Finch (Scottie), and Daniel Upton (Jennifer), along with his step-grandchildren, Kaela Thompson, Gehrett Thompson, Sebastian Upton, and Amelia Upton.

Ken spent his childhood in Florida with his sister, Kathy, and cherished summers in North Carolina with his aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He had a keen interest in math and science and was even proficient with the slide rule in high school.  Ken attended Hialeah High School.  He graduated with honors in 1978 from Ambassador College in California, with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.  Ken pursued a successful career in computer programming, working in the credit reporting and healthcare industries specializing in PICBASIC.  He raised a beautiful and intelligent daughter who shared similar technical expertise.

An avid photographer, reader and sci-fi enthusiast, Ken captured many memories through his lens.  He married Colleen in 1998 and cherished his retirement years in the Ozarks living next door to his stepdaughter Chrystal.  Ken loved traveling with Colleen to various mountain landscapes and capturing numerous pictures during their annual trips.  Throughout his life, Ken was a loving husband, and had a close relationship with his sister, Kathy.  He also took great pride in his membership in the Sons of the American Revolution. 

Ken’s life was marked by his dedication to his family, his passion for learning, and his love of photography and travel.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ken will be interred at the Eureka Springs Historical Cemetery on January 20, 2025.  On behalf of the family, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to both Primrose Retirement Community and Circle of Life Hospice for their compassionate care and support during the final months of Ken’s life.

Arrangements are under the care of Diamond State Cremation in Lead Hill, Arkansas.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth Wayne Cook, please visit our floral store.