Larry Cook

Larry Dean Cook, one of two children of Clyde and Viola (Bennett) Cook, was born May 2, 1938 in Augusta, Kansas. Larry?s family moved to Nebraska when he was a young boy. He began school at Harmony, Hazel Dell District 36, and Pleasant Grove District 35 country schools in Otoe County. He then attended Nebraska City and Talmage public schools before graduating from Union High School in 1956.

Larry entered the U.S. Air Force in the fall of 1956. He served in Korea and Iceland until his honorable discharge in the fall of 1960, when he returned to Nebraska.

On October 9, 1961 Larry was united in marriage to Connie Roddy in Kansas City, Kansas. They made their home in Union, and were blessed with three children: Gerald, Teresa, and Tina. Larry and Connie moved the family to Indian Cave State Park near Shubert in 1970, and the couple moved to Auburn in 1995.

Larry worked for a time at American Meter in Nebraska City, and then went to work for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. In 1970 he graduated from the Law Enforcement Academy in Grand Island, Nebraska. He then became the first Park Superintendent at Indian Cave State Park. He oversaw the development of the park from its beginnings; over 25 years he managed the park?s development and restoration of historical sites within the park?s boundaries, including the old town of St. Deroin. During his years as Park Superintendent, he became a familiar face in the park and in the region. Larry enjoyed his employees as well as the many park visitors. He retired as Park Superintendent in 1995 after 30 years with the Game and Parks Commission. Larry stayed active after his retirement as a Nemaha County Deputy Sheriff and a security guard at Peru State College.

Larry was a member of the Western Star Masonic Lodge in Nebraska City. In his spare time he enjoyed family poker games, pool and horseshoes with his buddies. He was skilled in woodworking and carpentry. After his retirement, he loved to spend winters in Texas with Connie.

After a brave struggle against cancer, Larry passed away Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Connie Keene.

Those left to remember his life include his wife Connie of Auburn; children Gerald and wife Linda Cook of Auburn; Teresa and husband Jerry Breazile of Auburn; Tina and husband Steve Wehner of Sabetha, KS; grandchildren Greg and wife Stacey Cook, Trent Grooms, Charlotte Grooms, Nicole Breazile, Melissa and husband Andrew Ensz, Ben Bailey, Becca Wehner, and Brennan Wehner; great-grandson Wyatt Cook; brothers-in-law Glen Keene; Jim and wife Ginger Roddy of Nebraska City; sister-in-law Carol Roddy of Nebraska City; aunts Veda Bennett and Muriel Glathar; a niece and two nephews; and many friends.

Funeral services will be Monday, August 24, 10:00 a.m. at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn. Burial will follow in Camp Creek near Nebraska City, with graveside military honors provided by American Legion Post #23 and VFW Post #2635 of Auburn. Visitation will be at the funeral home Saturday noon to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday noon to 8:00 p.m. Masonic services will be at the funeral home Sunday 5:00 p.m., followed by family greeting friends until 7:00.

Memorials suggested to family choice.