Robert Russell “Rusty” Cook

In Loving Memory of Robert Russell Cook

Robert Russell Cook, born September 8, 1966, in Carthage, Missouri, was affectionately known as Rusty to his family and Russ to his many friends. He passed away on October 21, 2026. His love for his mom and dad remained a special part of his story, and we find comfort in imagining the three of them together again.

Rusty grew up primarily in Carl Junction, Missouri. He was a beloved brother, devoted father and grandfather, fun-loving uncle, and friend to many. Above all, his greatest pride and joy was his son, Cheslie Russell Ray Cook of Wichita, Kansas. Being Cheslie’s dad was one of the most important parts of his life.

Rusty loved the outdoors, the lake, and cheering on his favorite teams: the Texas Longhorns, Kansas City Chiefs, and Missouri Tigers.

For approximately four years, Rusty worked in Fargo, North Dakota, helping reroute the Red River to prevent flooding. Though far from his family in Missouri, he built a family of his own in North Dakota. He had a special place in his heart for young adults, many of whom he seemed to adopt as his own. The outpouring of love and concern from these friends reflects the lasting impact he made and the connections he created wherever life took him.

If there was one thing Rusty knew how to do, it was make people laugh. He was famous for his many bad jokes, the kind that made you groan or roll your eyes but somehow laugh anyway. Beneath the humor was a big heart. He loved deeply and wanted the people around him to know they mattered.

Rusty often called his sisters, nieces, and nephews simply to check in and remind them they were loved. For his sisters, every conversation ended with his familiar words: “Love you, sis.” Those three little words will forever hold a special place in their hearts.

Rusty leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and unexpected friendships. He may have lived miles from home, but he never stopped loving his Missouri family, while making others along the way feel like family, too.

He is survived by his beloved son, Cheslie Russell Ray Cook, and wife, Haley, and their three children, Gatlin Krew, Dallin Dean, and Pamela Sue, of Wichita, Kansas; his sisters, Connie Divine and husband Phil of Centralia, Missouri, and Angela Patterson and husband David of Ozark, Missouri; his nieces and nephews, Katie (Mike) Krauseneck of Chesterfield, Michigan; Dennisa (Mitchell) Niles of Hallsville, Missouri; Trenton (Ashley) Patterson of Knob Noster, Missouri; Alyssa (Kerik) Crouse of Clarksville, Tennessee; and Teagon Patterson of Ozark, Missouri. He also leaves behind his stepmother, Barbara Cook of Carl Junction; numerous grandnieces and grandnephews; an aunt, Twyla Harper; an uncle, Ronnie Williams; many cousins and dear friends; and his extended stepfamily, including stepsiblings and their families.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Cheslie and Ina Cook; his maternal grandparents, Paul and Katherine Williams; his parents, Robert Dean and Sue Cook; his great-nephew, Koa Crouse; and his stepsister, Belinda Crockett.

Rusty will be deeply missed by those who loved him, those who laughed at his jokes (even the bad ones), those who received his calls just to hear that he loved them, and those who found a friend and a little bit of family in him when they needed it most.

His jokes may have been bad, but his heart was good. And his love was never in doubt.

Love you, Russ. Until we meet again.