Steve Marion Cook was born on February 2, 1938 in Scott City, Kansas to Marion Milo "Bill" and Luella May (Eaton) Cook.  The family made their home in Russell Springs, Kansas and this is where Steve attended school, graduating from the Russell Springs High School in 1955.  After graduating, Steve worked for a farmer for a couple of years.

Enlisting in the United States Army on October 7, 1957, Steve proudly served his country overseas in Japan.  During his time in the Army, Steve took a 15-week course in fixed station radio equipment.  This trained him in the operation and assisting in the maintenance and installation of long-range communication equipment.  Steve was honorably discharged on September 6, 1960 with the rank of Specialist.

On April 28, 1961, Steve was united in marriage with Wilma Jeanne Majors in Scott City, Kansas.  Steve's cousin helped him start his career in the oil and gas industry, getting him a job in a cryogenics plant.  After moving to Harper in 1972, Steve went to work as a natural gas plant operator for Mag Plant.  The couple were married for just over 50 years before Jeanne's passing on August 15, 2011.

In addition to his work outside the home, Steve also had a couple of side businesses: sharpening tools and doing embroidery work.  His favorite pastime was watching sports on TV where it didn't matter if it was a live game or a rerun from 10 years ago.  Steve had a love for silhouette shooting, competing all over the United States to bring home several trophies.  He was also a hunter and a fisherman.  After retirement, Steve helped at the Chaparral track meets and wrestling meets, even after his sons graduated.  Playing bingo twice a week was a must, and he had a group of friends he would meet with at McDonald's and Casey's, where as his wife would say, he would help "solve the world's problems."

At the age of 83, Steve passed away at his home in Harper on May 11, 2021.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Luella; wife, Jeanne; and grandson, Samuel.  He is survived by his children: Debs Cook and his wife, Tracey of Harper, Jon Cook and his wife, Emily of Douglas, Wyoming, Steve Cook II and his wife, Lori of Wichita, Shon Cook and wife, Tiffani of Wichita, and Darin Cook of Harper; grandchildren: Brianna, Malarie, Matthew, Brice, Tami, Troy, Riley, and Danielle; other relatives and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Heartland Hospice or Chaparral Trap Shooting Team and can be sent in care of the funeral home.

Friends may register from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Graveside Service is 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 14, 2021 at the Harper Cemetery with Pastor Kent Olds officiating.  Military Honors will be provided by the Army Honor Guard.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th ~ Harper, Kansas 67058