He graduated from Caraway High School in 1960. He moved to Kansas City in 1966 and began to work for the Kansas City Missouri Police Department. He continued his education and graduated from CMSU in 1974 with a Bachelor degree in Criminal Justice, and then his Master's degree in 1980 in Public Administration.
During his time with the police department, he was able to be promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1974. He worked in many divisions within the department to include Patrol, Narcotics Division, Traffic Enforcement, and the Burglary and Theft Unit until retiring in 1991 after 25 years. He then began a second career as an insurance agent for Farmers Insurance.
Leon had many hobbies and interests to include bowling, golfing, and playing cards. He also enjoyed family get-togethers and especially his faith. He loved the Lord and served his church faithfully up until the time of his death.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Freddie and Eva Mae Cook; his wife, Donna Cook; his son, Tom Cook; his brother, Bill Yates; and a great-granddaughter.
Leon is survived by his sister, Sandra Knight; his daughter, Tammy (Greg) Rose; his stepsons, David (Michelle) Stockman and Brian Stockman. He had 9 grandchildren: Jessica, Trisha, Jeremy, Mandy, Megan, Jake, Erika, Ryan, and Brandon. He also had 20 great-grandchildren, all of which he loved very much and was very proud of.
He will be missed.
