Leon Cook
Obituary for Leon Troy Cook | Ryan Mortuary
January 7, 1953 ~ March 26, 2022 (age 69)
Leon Troy Cook passed away in his home surrounded by his family on March 26, 2022, at the age of 69, after a year-and-a-half battle against gastro-esophageal cancer. He was born on January 7, 1953, to Lillian and Louis Cook, in Bismarck, ND, and was raised in Norman, OK with his three sisters and twin brother.
From 1971-1973, Troy served his country in the U.S. Army and in the Vietnam War. He married Debora M. Skolout, in Beardsley, KS, on August 18, 1979, and they had three children. He graduated from Central State University in 1991.
He worked in several fields, including the oil field, electrical, carpentry, and purchasing/inventory & retail sales, retiring from Wal-Mart after 17-years, in 2018.
Troy was a man of great integrity, always prioritizing God, country and family.
He and his family lived in Norman, OK until 1993, they then lived in Pine Bluff, AR until 1995, and then in Hays, KS until May 2021 when he and Debbie moved to Salina, KS, for their retirement.
Troy loved spending time outdoors and was an avid golfer, photographer, hunter, cycler and OU Football fan. He and Debbie enjoyed traveling with both family and friends. Troy was always cracking jokes and kept his friends and family laughing until his final days.
Troy is survived by his wife Debora M. Cook; two children, daughter Crystal (Brian Leftridge) of Shawnee, KS; son Thomas (Brittany) Cook of Salina, KS; three granddaughters, Briella, Taylie, and Leah Cook and his two sisters, Linda Cook and Julie (Cook) Kranker of FL.
He was preceded in death by his father Louis Starr Cook; his mother Lillian Joyce Washburn; his stepfather Wendall Washburn; his brother William Cook, sister Nancy (Cook) Johnson; and his infant daughter Elizabeth Cook.
The visitation will be held at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina, on April 2nd at 10 a.m., rosary at 11:10, followed by the funeral mass at 11:30 a.m. The burial will be at the St. John’s Nepomucene Cemetery in Beardsley, KS on Saturday, April 9, at 4 p.m.
The family suggests memorials to Hospice of Salina with Salina Regional Hospital or St. Mary’s Catholic School, Salina.
Ryan Mortuary, Salina, is in charge of arrangements.
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