Deacon Jesse Haywood Cook

Jesse Haywood Cook, passed away on November 10, 2023, at the home. He was born in Boligee, Alabama on October 20th, 1916. He was the 11th child of Amanda Moss. John Austin was his biological father. As a newborn, Jesse was charged to the care of his aunt, Francis Haywood Cook. Mrs. Cook and her 2nd husband, Jordan Cook, raised Jesse, their only child, in Bessemer, Alabama. Jesse attended Jefferson County High School in Praco, Al and worked in a coal mine prior to joining the United States Army on February 22, 1942. He served in The Burma, India, and China Theatre; World War II. He worked as a culinary specialist, was assigned to D-Btry 86AAA Gun Batallion, served in combat zones, escorted fallen heroes home, and helped construct the Burma Road. Jesse also served his country in Alaska, Japan, Australia, and Africa. He was stationed in Korea during the Korean War. During his 20 year tenure, he received the American and Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Medal and The Victory Medal for his military service in Burma during WW II, the National Defense Service Medal with 6 Bronze Service Stars for his service during the Korean War, 3 Good Conduct Medals, and the United Nations Service Med- al. Sergeant Cook retired from active duty on April 30, 1962. After retiring from military service, Mr. Cook, as part of the Great Migration, moved from Bessemer, Ala- bama to Lexington, Mo. He worked at Wentworth Military Academy (WMA) for 4 years. In October, 2022, The WMA Museum opened. In honor of his service, Mr. Cook's name is on a plaque at the museum. After leaving employ at WMA, he worked for Mattingly Corp and joined The Teamsters Union during the Jimmy Hoffa Era. Deacon Cook was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Bessemer, Al, a member of Second Baptist Church in Lexington, Mo (Rev. E.W. Hannon, Jr., and a member of Paseo Baptist Church in Kansas City, Mo (Pastor Laron Thompson). He served as a Deacon in those churches, an usher, and sang in the choirs. He is a member of Wayne Miner American Legion Post #149 and Veterans of Foreign Wars #6994. Mr. Cook was awarded several citations for his community activities to include the TJB Foundation Octogenar- ian Award which included a Missouri House of Representatives Resolution 2006, an award from the City of Decatur 2014 Mayor Don Kyle for being the oldest member of The Byrd-Hubbard family, recognition from the City of Kansas City in honor of Veteran's Day 2017, Mayor Sly James. Also in October 2013, Mr Cook was honored to be part of the Heartland Honor Flight to Washington, DC. He loved to sing gospel music, attend church, play the piano and organ, garden and scrapbook. He will be remembered as a " sharp dressed man" with a charming personality. He is known by his grandsons as Paw Paw Cook. He encouraged young people to vote and participate in the political process. His legacy is one of truth, caring, and service; God, country, and family first. He is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Jordan Cook, his 10 brothers and sisters, his loving wife of 40 years, Evelyn Juette Cook and his son, Edward Cook. He had 2 daughters, Effie L. Cook-Hannon, of the home, Charlotte E Lockhart (Kansas City, MO), 2 grandsons, Justin, D. Lockhart (April) (Lees Summit, MO )and Garrett C. Hannon (Kris) (Las Vegas, NV) and 1 granddaughter, Jessica Lockhart (Kansas City, MO). He has 7 great grandchildren, (Lee's Summit, Mo) and 1 great grandchild (Las Vegas, NV) who preceded him in death. Mr. Cook was the oldest member of The Byrd family of Decatur, AL, patriarch Dr. Taylor Byrd, Jr. (Deborah and children Marcus Byrd, Taynetta Tibbs, and Florence (Nikki) Byrd). Robert Williams, Chicago, IL is his Funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, 12:00pm at Paseo Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 11:00am-12:00pm at the church. Interment Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS. Service conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Deacon Jesse Haywood Cook

October 20, 1916 - November 10, 2023