Dennis Ralph Cook

Dennis Ralph Cook, asleep in Jesus, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 23. He is survived by his brother Donald and five children: Christy Deloney (Bryan) of Ballwin, MO, Brian Cook of San Diego, CA, Kelly Cook of Lebanon, MO, Isaac Cook (Lindsay) of Rogers, Arkansas, and John Cook of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Dennis, son of Ralph and Edna Cook, was born in Waynesville, MO on March 11, 1951 and died in Webster Groves, MO on October 23, 2025 at the age of 74 years, 7 months, and 12 days.

A graduate of Central Missouri State at Warrensburg, Dennis served in the Navy from 1975-1980. However, the majority of his career was dedicated to teaching elementary and middle school.

He loved sharing his joy for reading and writing, both with his students and his children.

Dennis was the author of the novel Isaac Franklinstein and the Johnster Monster.

Dennis was passionate about the St. Louis Cardinals and Mizzou sports.

Dennis' niece Amy Dean wrote, "I was fortunate enough to get to know my Uncle Dennis better over the last decade. He dedicated his retirement to sharing his strong Christian faith in his online community. The last verse he posted on Facebook was Romans 8:26, which is a message of comfort in struggle. It reads, 'Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Many turn to this verse in times of grief, confusion or weariness. It acknowledges that in our pain we often do not have the words to pray or even know where to begin, but the Lord still hears the words in our heart.

Perhaps Uncle Dennis realized that this time on earth was coming to an end, and he wanted to leave with us a message of reassurance. He wanted us to understand that even in our pain, we are not alone. I am so grateful that Uncle Dennis had his faith to guide him, and that he left these words to guide us.”

A Visitation will be held on November 5, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, located at 6464 Chippewa Street, St. Louis, MO 63109.

The Funeral Service will follow at the same location on November 5, 2025, starting at 4:00 pm.

A Committal Service is scheduled for November 6, 2025, at 9:00 am at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125.