On October 27, 2024, Leland Donald Cook passed away in his home, surrounded by family. He was a good man. He will be greatly missed.

Leland was born (with his twin, Leonard) on August 1, 1939 to Clyde and Eva (Wade) Cook, in Lynchburg, Missouri.

As a young man, Leland made a profession of faith and was baptized into the Lynchburg Baptist Church.  In later years, he faithfully attended the Sac River Cowboy Church in Springfield, Missouri.  Leland began working at a sawmill in Roby, Missouri at the age of 14.  He then worked construction as a heavy equipment operator and was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers – Local 101.  He was very skilled at running all kinds of heavy equipment (bull dozers, graders, backhoes, dump trucks … if it moved dirt, he could run it).  Many roads and parking lots we use every day have Leland’s track or tire prints all over them… (Highways D, 13, 160, and 60, as well as the Battlefield Mall parking lot to name a few).

On June 19, 1959, Leland married Fredonna Lee Looney and to this union two children were born, Lowell Dean and Lana Jean. The family moved around a lot as Leland followed construction projects.  In 1969 Leland settled his family in Bolivar and then moved to his current home in 1972.

Leland served our country as a member of the National Guard and was honorably discharged in July 1963. He enjoyed fishing, gigging, and restoring antique tractors (not just any tractors, mind you…only John Deer).  Leland was a tractor bigot.  He was also creative with a welder and created horseshoe drink stands, Christmas trees, and dish and napkin holders, most of which he donated to charity.  He raised cattle for a short time, but then stated that he “got smart” and that “…cows can tear you up…”. After he quit cows, he started putting up hay, which he continued to do well into his 80s. Leland was never afraid of hard work.

Leland loved a lot of things.  Family.  Friends. Tractors. And Bluegrass music.  His older brother Harold took Leland and Fredonna to their first Bluegrass festival at Golden Valley in the early ‘80s.  After that, he and Fredonna were “hooked” and regularly attended Bluegrass festivals at Starvy Creek, Golden Valley, and Wagon Wheel.  Leland loved the music, but most of all, he loved the friends he met there.  They became a second family.

Leland is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 55 years, four brothers (Harold, Clois, Leonard, and Wayne) and dear friend, Karen Dunn. He is survived by his children, son Lowell (Jeanne) and daughter, Lana Neill (Chad); four grandchildren, Amanda Neill, Cory Neill (Mikaela), Stephen Cook, Jacob Cook; and two great-grandsons Dawson Neill and Charley Neill.  He is also survived by his brother James (Darlene) and sister Ruth Randolf (Randy), and a host of much-loved nieces and nephews, as well as neighbors, church family, and very dear friends.

Leland was a wonderful father, grandfather, husband, brother, and a cherished and steadfast friend.  He always extended a helping hand, was loyal to a fault, and was a great example of what it means to be family, how to have faith, how to work the youngsters under the table, and how to be the best friend many of us will ever know. He will be greatly missed.

Leland’s family would like to express special gratitude to CMH Hospice (Dian, Tonya, Morgan, Dustin, Austin, Jennifer) and Faith Care Connections (Melissa, Kelsey, Jenny, Ashley, Gail) for providing such competent and loving care during Dad’s final days. Thank you.

A visitation for Leland will take place on Thursday, October 31, 2024, from 5:00  p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Pitts Chapel in Bolivar, Missouri. A funeral service will take place on Friday, November 1, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Pitts Chapel. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Bolivar.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CMH Hospice in Leland’s name.