Don Cook

Maynard D. “Don” Cook, 79, of rural Parsons, passed away at 4:29 p.m., Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Prairie Mission Retirement Village in St. Paul.

Don was born on April 9, 1947, to Maynard W. and Margaret Aline (Lamb) Cook in South Mound, Kansas. He grew up and attended school in rural Neosho County, graduating from Erie High School in 1965. After graduating from high school, he attended Kansas State University for a time. From 1965 to 1971, he served in the United States Army Reserves.

A lifelong rancher, Don rode saddle broncs in rodeos for many years. While farming and ranching, he also drove a truck for Bushog and Grandview. Later, he was a bus driver for Good Will Tours out of Erie.

His love for the outdoors extended to hunting and fishing. He was an excellent marksman. For a time, Don was able to use his talents as a big game guide in Montana.

On March 14, 1979, Don and Catherine J. Sears were united in marriage in Miami, Oklahoma. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include:

One son – Justin Cook and his wife, Lisa, of Healdsburg, California

One daughter – Tracy Smith and her husband, Larry, of Overland Park, Kansas

Six grandchildren

Four sisters – Barbara Clingan of Parsons, Kansas

Shirley Newberry of St. Paul, Kansas

Chris Hizey and her husband, Rod, of Parsons, Kansas

Dana Eggers and her husband, Ronald, of Parsons, Kansas

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister, Beverly Cook.

The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 28, 2026, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Burial will follow at South Mound Cemetery in South Mound. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Proud Animal Lovers Shelter (PALS). These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.