Clifford Vance Cook (Lebanon)

September 29, 1934 - May 30, 2022

Lieutenant Commander Clifford Vance Cook, USN A loving family man, a dedicated Naval officer, a talented guitar picker, Clifford Vance Cook passed away on May 30, 2022. He was 87 years old. On Sept. 29, 1934, Elmer and Lorene Cook celebrated the birth of their oldest son, Cliff, in Plato, Missouri. He loved growing up with his younger siblings: brother, Dean, and sisters, Retha, and Sharon on the family farm. Cliff developed a strong work ethic that served him well the rest of his life. Cliff graduated from Lebanon High School in 1952 and joined the US Navy. He was a proud submariner and served his country from 1952 to 1974. He retired as a Lieutenant Commander and the family moved from Rota, Spain, to Lebanon, to be close to their parents, Elmer and Lorene Cook, and George and Bessie Howard. At 19, Cliff asked a sweet hometown girl, Mary (JoAnn) Howard for a date. They were happily married for 67 years and were blessed with three children. Cliff enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, camping, boating, and playing bridge. Cliff loved singing and playing bluegrass music. He loved fast cars, old trucks, and telling a good story. Most of all, he loved his wife, JoAnn. Cliff was a wonderful father. He will be greatly missed by his children, Dr. Gary Cook (deceased), Terry Beecher, and Kerry Singh. He will be always remembered by his five grandchildren, Tyler Cook, Arthur Beecher, Joshua Beecher, Katrina Hersch, and Tage Singh. Clifford Vance Cook lived an honorable life and was an exceptional man. A memorial service with full military honors will be held at 1pm on July 1 at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery Ft. Leonard Wood in Waynesville.