Richard A. "Dick" Rook Obituary (1942 - 2025)

Born Jul 14, 1942, Richard A. "Dick" Rook attended Black River High School in Sullivan, OH. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Richard A. "dick" Rook.

Graduation Year	Class of 1961
Date of Birth	Jul 14, 1942
Date of Passing	Dec 28, 2025
About	Richard “Dick” Alan Rook, age 83, of Butler, Ohio, formerly of Spencer, Ohio, passed away on December 28, 2025. He was born on June 14, 1942, in Lodi, Ohio, to the late Richard Aaron Rook and Mildred “Millie” (Brown) Rook Melrose. Dick was a 1961 graduate of Black River High School and a graduate of Akron Barber College. Throughout his life, Dick held many positions and worked in a variety of occupations, but his greatest joy was found in the simple, meaningful things. Time spent with his family, working the land, and caring for his beloved horses. Farming was more than a livelihood for Dick; it was a way of life that reflected his strong work ethic, patience, and deep appreciation for tradition. A member of the Central Ohio Draft Horse Association and the Percheron Horse Association of America, Dick was actively involved in its events and was well known for his dedication to the draft horse heritage. He especially loved sharing his knowledge with others, most notably his grandchildren. He patiently taught them how to care for, harness, and drive the horses, instilling in them not only practical skills but also responsibility, respect, and pride. Many of his grandchildren proudly participated alongside him, creating cherished memories and continuing the traditions he held dear. Together with his family, Dick and his horses were a familiar and welcome presence at parades, weddings, and countless community events, where they brought joy and tradition. Above all, Dick took great pride in supporting his family and was always eager to attend his children’s and grandchildren’s events, sporting games, and activities whenever he could. His legacy lives on through the lessons he taught, the traditions he so faithfully shared, and the enduring love of family, horses, and hard work that he proudly passed down to the next generation. Dick was the beloved husband of Lydia (Burbach) Rook, to whom he was married for 50 years. He was a loving father to Mark (Leslie) Rook, Michelle Sigler, Aaron (Terri) Rook, Amanda Manges, and Alan (Teresa Stull) Rook. He was a cherished grandfather to Spencer (Dena Campbell) Rook, Conner Rook, Skyler Sigler, Nick Sigler, Haley Rook, Jacob Rook, Emily (Reilly) Ziegman, Kacie Rook, Trent Rook, Kolby Richard Manges, and Dylan Rook Manges, and a proud great-grandfather to Thea, Saylor, and Marley. He is also survived by his siblings, Donna Rae Kimmerle, Lora Lee Grissinger, and Dan (Rhonda) Rook. He was also known as “Uncle Dick” to Greg, Jackie, Kris, Julie and Sally. Along with many other extended family members. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his granddaughter, Skyler Sigler; his brother-in-law, Tom Kimmerle; and his nephew, Scott Kimmerle.
Events	A service honoring Dick’s life will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Spencer United Methodist Church, 201 East Main Street, Spencer, Ohio. Burial will follow at Spencer Cemetery, with a meal to follow at the church. Pastor Reid Firestone and Pastor Bob Ludwig will officiate.