C.E. Cook
C.E. Cook, 88, died March 18, 2004, at his home in Emporia.
Clarence Edward Cook was born Sept. 7, 1915, at Lawrence, the son of James and Ida May (Hutchins) Cook.
On July 8, 1972, he married Margaret Blevins Ballard at Wichita.
Before World War II, he was a district representative for International Harvester in eastern Kansas. He served in the Merchant Marine from 1943-46. He then returned to Holton where he purchased the International Harvester dealership. He later bought the Pontiac dealership there.
In the 1950s he moved to Marion, where he owned and operated Cook Motors, the Chevrolet, Buick, and Pontiac dealership, for 25 years.
He has been retired 30 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers, Lloyd, Bill, John, Frank, Fred, Eugene, and Walter; and three sisters, Myrtle, Eunice, and Hazel.
Survivors include his wife, Margaret; two sons, Bob Cook of Parker, Colo., and James Edward Cook of Pittsburg, Calif.; two daughters, Shirley Cook Niecko of Kalamazoo, Mich., and Felinda Suzanne Cook Ralston of Topeka; two stepsons, William Ballard and George Ballard, both of Emporia; two stepdaughters, Margaret Ballard of Independence and Lori Stang of Bronson; 17 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Saturday at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2587 building, 9th and Whittier, Emporia. A light lunch will be served at noon, with the service following.
A memorial fund has been established with Hand-in-Hand Hospice, Emporia.
