Bill Cook, 82
William "Bill" Joel Cook, 82, of Thornfield, died Oct. 14, 2023, after a long illness. His family is holding a private, small burial service, to honor his wishes.
Bill was born Sept. 1, 1941, in Joplin. On Oct. 30, 1958, Bill married Nadine Bushong, the love of his life. They would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in two weeks. They had three children Rebecca, Ben and Bret.
Bill moved to Theodosia when he was 11 years old, in 1952, with his family to build a boat dock on the newly formed Bull Shoals Lake. Bill and his father's dream soon became a reality. All the hard work and worry of those first few years turned that little boat dock into the business it is today: Theodosia Marina Resort, Fort Cook R.V. Park, Cookie's Restaurant and Theodosia Marine Sales and Services. The business is 71 years old and still owned and operated by his family, now going on five generations. Bill and Nadine also purchased the Cash Saver Pantry grocery store in Theodosia which continues to be family-operated as well.
Bill's passion was the outdoors. He loved fishing, hunting, traveling, meeting and talking to new people, farming, family, and he genuinely enjoyed working. He looked forward to seeing people year after year and made many lifelong friends. He enjoyed writing a weekly fishing report for many years that everyone loved to read. He also enjoyed working with the Lion's Club in Gainesville for many years. He served on many committee boards including the White River Electric Cooperative's board for 20 years. In his later years, Bill enjoyed working at Cookie's Restaurant so he could visit with all the staff and customers. He truly was a positive influence on everyone he employed and had the chance to visit with.
Bill is survived by his wife Nadine Cook of Thornfield; his sister Barbara Wehrman of Kirbyville; his sons Ben Cook and wife Vikki and Bret Cook and wife Melanie, all of Theodosia. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Desiree and Scott Godbersen of Neosho, W.C and Mandy Wilson of Protem, Cagney and Mechelle Wilson of Jacksonville, Florida, Mitchell and LaTasha Cook of Thornfield, Chase Cook of Rogersville, Melissa and Devin Wells of Joplin and Rebecca and Floyd Clayton of Mountain Grove; great-grandchildren Kaylin Owens, Kaleb Godbersen, Emma and Ashton Wilson, Kentlee, Maverik and Breklyn Cook, Eli Cook, Ethan, Bryce and Evan Clayton and Sarah, Brittany and Molly Wells; and his great-great-grandchildren Skye Wells and Emma Lane.
Bill was proceeded in death by his parents L.B. and Pauline Cook and daughter Rebecca Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, please support the scholarship fund set up in Bill's name at Century Bank of the Ozarks. He was a true believer in empowering the minds of the young and improving their futures.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.