Thomas "Joel" Cook

1929 - 2014

Thomas "Joel" Cook, 84, of Rigby, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014, at Parkwood Meadows Assisted Living Center in Idaho Falls.

Joel was born Feb. 4, 1929, in Salt Lake City 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 Nov. 26, 1952, he married the love of his life, Jenice Anderson, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They were blessed with two daughters and five sons.

Joel was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a young man, he served a full-time 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, Mont., Mission and the Idaho Falls Temple Visitors 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 and Denise (Wade) Bowcutt, both of Rigby; sons, Michael Joel (De Esta) Cook of Overton, Nev., Russell William (Rhonda) Cook, of Las Vegas, Ronald Dale (Sherri) Cook and Cory Jay (Stefani) Cook, all of Idaho Falls, and Kelly Harvey (Nicole) Cook of Shelley; sisters, Irita (Don) Ellis of Washington, Utah, Barbara Ririe and Della (Harold) Scott both of Layton, Utah, and Emma Cook of Woods Cross, Utah; brothers, Melvin Cook of Stevensville, Mont., and Glenn Cook of Layton, Utah; 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, Feb. 3, at the Grant Ward LDS Church, 3431 E. 100 North in Rigby, with Bishop Grover Wray conducting. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 W. Main St. in Rigby. Burial will be in Annis-Little Butte Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Eckersell Memorial Chapel.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com.