Joseph Weldon Rook (26 Nov 1945-05 Sep 2007) Obituary

Joseph Weldon Rook (26 Nov 1945-05 Sep 2007) attended Hillcrest High School in Springfield, MO. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Joseph Weldon Rook (26 Nov 1945-05 Sep 2007).

Graduation Year	Class of 1963
Date of Passing	Sep 05, 2007
About	Joe Rook was born on November 26, 1945, to Mildred and Ragain Rook, and on September 5, 2007, Joe Rook went to his heavenly home. Joe had a double lung transplant at Barnes Jewish Hospital in April. The last three months of Joe's life was amazing; he enjoyed every day to the fullest! Joe leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 44 years, Sharon; their daughter, Sonya and husband Mark, and children Kristin and Chad; their son, Jody, his wife Kelly, and children Kane, Nichole, Matt, Ryan, Kaili, Blake, Sage and Xavier; his godson, Kenton Umlauf; his brother, David Rook; and sister Sue Crabtree. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Joe knew no strangers, and had countless friends that he helped make it through life by helping them to live it "One Day at a Time!" Joe touched the lives of many by sharing his experiences and will truly be missed. Joe graduated Hillcrest High School in 1963 and went to work at Frisco Railroad at the age of seventeen. He worked in the diesel shop for 27 years. Joe belonged to the Gate of the Temple Lodge, and was a thirty-second degree Mason. He was on the Shriner's Directors Staff and was active with the Shriner's Hospital Dads. Joe traveled many miles transporting children to St. Louis, helping them to get the medical care that they needed. Joe belonged to Rice Camp at Table Rock Lake. This is where he spent most of his free time! Nothing would make Joe happier than a 100-degree day and a bottle of suntan oil! A "Celebration of Life" gathering with Masonic Service will be held in Greenlawn Funeral Home East on Sunday. The family will be present at 1 p.m., with the Masonic Service beginning at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Shriner's Hospital Dads, 601 St. Louis Street, Springfield, MO 65806. When you think of Joe, smile and remember, "It's a Beautiful Day in the Ozarks!" [Source: Spfd News Leader dated: September 8, 2007]