Sidney Merritt Cooke Jr.

Sidney Merritt Cooke, Jr., 83, died peacefully at his home January 8, 2015. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 AM Friday, January 16th, at Visitation Catholic Church, 5141 Main Street, with an open visitation from 9-11 AM at the church.

Sidney was born on June 16, 1931 to Sidney and Thelma Cooke. He was a lifelong resident of Kansas City, MO. He graduated from Bryant grade school, attended Rockhurst High School and graduated from Southwest High School in 1949. He attended Westminster College, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He graduated from Rockhurst College in 1953 and later received a diploma from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin.

In the summer of 1944 he began working at Columbia National Bank, which was founded by his grandfather in 1919. Sidney served in the U.S. Army in Heidelberg, Germany, from 1953-1955, and after his honorable discharge, he worked full time at the bank until it was sold in 1969. In 1971 he founded Management Insurance Consultants, Inc., and was president and CEO until he sold the company in 1993.

Sid held civic and professional positions of which he was very proud, including Treasurer of the Board of Governors and member of the Board of Trustees for the Kansas City Museum; President of the American Institute of Banking, Kansas City Chapter; March of Dimes Campaign Board Member; member of the Foundation Board of the Ozanam Home; member of the Board of Honorary Directors Association of Rockhurst University. In retirement, Sid served on the Board of Directors of the Wornall Plaza, and volunteered at the Holy Family Catholic Worker House, Cherith Brook Catholic Worker House, and Meals on Wheels.

A turning point in Sidney’s life came when he joined Alcoholics Anonymous in 1983, and he wants to publicly acknowledge his gratitude to AA and all its members. It was life changing to work with all the wonderful people he met in AA. For over 31 years he was always willing to share his experience, strength and hope with anyone struggling with addiction. Sid also wants to express the deepest possible gratitude to the God of his understanding, who has blessed him beyond comprehension.

Sidney is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; his adored children, Sidney (Imi), Megan, and Timothy Cooke, and Molly Cooke Brandsma (Mike); his much loved stepsons, Matt (Christine) and Chris Pryor; his sister Sue Turnbull; his brothers Jerry, Tom and Thornton Cooke; his eight wonderful grandchildren, and his former wife and friend, Marie Cooke.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Sidney’s name to First Call at 9091 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64114 or http://www.firstcallkc.org/; Rockhurst University at 1100 Rockhurst Road, Kansas City, MO 64110 or http://www.rockhurst.edu/give-rockhurst/make-gift/; or Ozanam Home at 421 E. 137th Street, Kansas City, MO 64145 or http://www.ozanam.org/. Fond memories and condolences may be offered at www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com.