Larry Joe Cook

Larry Joe Cook, often better known as "Joe" or "Pappa Joe" died in his home in Benton on the night of Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. He was born in Florence, Ala., on Oct. 8, 1954 to Joe Nell and George Windham Cook of Benton, Ark., but lived most of his life in Saline County, Ark. He was preceded in death by his mother, father and niece, Angela Michelle Eckhart of Hope, Ark. Larry was survived by his brother, Windham Cook of Baton Rouge, La.; sister, Marsha Cook Eckhart of Arkadelphia, his daughter and son-in-law, Courtney and Amos Cochran of Van Buren, Ark., grandchildren, Madelaine, Jude, and Lucy Cochran of Van Buren, Ark. Larry graduated from Benton High School in 1973, from the University of Arkansas in 1977 and held two additional master's degrees from the University of Arkansas, one in education, and one in counseling. A true Renaissance man, Larry loved running, playing the harmonica, reading, writing (constantly), and giving back to the community through substitute teaching and through organizations such as the Saline County Library "Friends," the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association and the Saline County Democrats. Despite being extremely successful in his own right, his greatest source of pride came when his daughter was named the 2017 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. Larry was enjoying his second year of retirement from a legendary career in teaching high school World History. He was also a legend in local politics, on the dance floor, on BuzzTime Trivia, and in karaoke bars, but most importantly, as the best dad and grandad of all time. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 28 at Ashby Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Visitation will be held on Thursday, 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. before services. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.