T. Joel Cook

Thomas “Joel” Cook, 84, of Rigby, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 29, 2014, at Parkwood Meadows Assisted Living Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Joel was born February 4, 1929, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Delbert Jay Cook and Fannie Parrish Cook. He was raised and attended schools in Centerville, Utah, graduating from Davis County High School. He served in the U.S. Army with the 63rd Infantry Division. On November 26, 1952, he married the love of his life, Jenice Anderson, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They were blessed with 2 daughters and 5 sons. Joel was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a young man he served a fulltime mission in Holland. Joel also held various church callings including Young Men’s President and a member of the Grant Ward Bishopric. He and his wife, Jenice, were called as missionaries in the Billings, Montana Mission and also the Idaho Falls Temple Visitor’s Center. For many years Joel owned and operated Cook Construction. In the later years of his life, he was employed by the LDS Church. One of Joel’s most admired attributes was his sense of humor. He could light up the room with his quick wit, warm personality, and love of life. He was a friend to all, never turning away anyone in need. Above all else, Joel’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He spent countless hours boating, camping, and gardening with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Jenice A. Cook; daughters, Sherrie Jo (Larry) Siddoway, Denise (Wade) Bowcutt, of Rigby; sons, Michael Joel (De Esta) Cook, of Overton, NV, Russell William (Rhonda) Cook, of Las Vegas, NV, Ronald Dale (Sherri) Cook, Cory Jay (Stefani) Cook, of Idaho Falls, Kelly Harvey (Nicole) Cook, of Shelley; sisters, Irita (Don) Ellis, of Washington, UT, Barbara Ririe, Della (Harold) Scott, both of Layton, UT, Emma Cook, of Woods Cross, UT; brothers, Melvin Cook of Stevensville, MT, Glenn Cook of Layton, UT; 27 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Wesley Cook and David Cook, and a grandson, Jeramiah Bowcutt. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, February 3, 2014, at the Grant Ward LDS Church, 3431 E. 100 N. Rigby, with Bishop Grover Wray conducting. The family will receive friends Sunday from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 West Main Street, Rigby, Idaho. Burial will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Eckersell Memorial Chapel.