Rod Cook

Rodney Jay Cook died on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at the Clearwater Village Assisted Living Center in Clearwater, Kansas.

Rod was born to Perry Jay Cook and Opal May Cook on June 24, 1939 in Caldwell, Kansas.  Rod had two siblings, Louis Vern Cook and Lois Kathryn Croft.  They learned about life and made lots of friends in the small town of Caldwell, Kansas.  While Lois roller skated up and down the neighborhood road, Rod and LV swam with friends at Bluff Creek. 

Rod graduated high school in 1957.  His first car was a 1949 Oldsmobile.  Shortly after high school Rod joined the Air Force in 1959.  He was stationed in France and worked as a military police dog handler.  While in France, Rod spent some time traveling.  After returning from France, Rod met Elaine Turner in which they had two children, David Russell Cook and Gretta Nike Wise. 

Rod then pursed a bachelors degree in engineering.  He worked in many trades and endeared many hobbies. Sometime around 1976 Rod had an idea for a transmission and worked on it off and on for 41 years.  One of his favorite jobs was working at Contech as an engineer.  After his retirement Rod moved to Caldwell and enjoyed spending time with friends and pursuing interest in Caldwell History.  He co-authored William Sherod Robinson Alias Ben Wheeler and authored George and Maggie and the Red Light Saloon and Caldwell Stuff.  On February 3 Rod’s dream of 41 years came true.  His IVT transmission was submitted to the USPTO.

Rodney was a grandfather of Alexandrea Acocella and Jacob Wise and great grandfather to Eli and Audrey Acocella.

Rodney truly lived life to the fullest and will be remembered always.

A Celebration of Life will be held 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Thursday, February 16, 2017 at the Caldwell Opera House.

Memorials may be given in memory of Rod to the Caldwell Historical Society, Caldwell High School Alumni Association, Caldwell Library or to the American Lung Association.

Interment will be in the Caldwell City Cemetery.