It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Bruce W. Cook, who passed away Aug. 24, 2026, in Liberal. 

Bruce was born July 12, 1954, to Jack and Dorothy Cook in Kansas City.

He attended Park Elementary and Central Junior High and graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1972.

Bruce began his working life as a lifeguard at the YMCA in downtown Kansas City while he was still in high school.

After graduation, he studied to become a Registered Nurse at Kansas City Kansas Community College and later continued his education at Truman Medical Center School of Nurse Anesthesia.

Throughout his career, Bruce worked at a number of hospitals, including facilities in Kansas City, Mo., Osage Beach, Mo., Jonesboro, Ark., and Norton. At the time of his passing, he was working at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal.

Bruce dedicated his career to caring for others, a reflection of the generous and compassionate person he was throughout his life.

On December 1, 2006, Bruce married Cheri Cook, the love of his life. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, friendship, laughter, and treasured memories.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Jack D. Cook II of Independence, Mo.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Cheri Cook of Liberal; his sons, Jeremy Cook Putzier (Priscilla) of Ankeny, Iowa, and Mykal VanDoren (Kayla) of Holcomb; his daughter, Sheena of Independence, Mo.; his sister, Sandy Rust of Kansas City; brother, Jeffrey Cook (Lavonna) of Conway, Ark.; and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

To his grandchildren, Bruce was affectionately known as "Papa Bruce." It was a name - and a role – he treasured. His grandchildren brought tremendous joy to his life, and the love and memories they shared with their Papa Bruce will remain with them always.

Bruce was a generous and loving man who would do whatever he could to help someone in need. He loved the outdoors and especially loved being on the water. Hunting, fishing, and boating were among his favorite ways to spend his time.

He was also a sports fan who was always ready to invite someone to sit down and watch "the game." And when it came to football, there was no question where his loyalty belonged - Bruce especially loved cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs!

More than anything, Bruce treasured time spent with his family and friends. He had an adventurous spirit, loved trying new things, and had an unforgettable impish smile that could light up a room. Of course, anyone who knew Bruce also knew that same smile might just be a warning that he was up to something.

Bruce lived his life with generosity, adventure, humor, and an enormous love for the people around him. He was a devoted husband, father, Papa Bruce, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, and caregiver. Bruce was loved by many and will be deeply missed, but the laughter, love, and memories he gave to those fortunate enough to know him will live on.

• Friends may call from 12 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026 at Hornung Family Funeral Home at 1212 W. 2nd Street in Liberal.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4, 2026 at Hornung Family Funeral Home in Liberal.

Memorials are suggested to Valley Hope Recovery Center in care of Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W. 2nd Street, Liberal, KS 67901.

Condolences may be left at hornungfuneralhome.com.

 

 

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