Joseph Earl

Cook

Joseph Earl Cook, son of the late Steven Wayne Cook and Joann (Hartkopf) Cook, was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on November 13, 1972. He departed this life at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, on January 19, 2026, at the age of 53.

Joseph was a member of a Baptist Church in Chicago. He loved volunteering his time helping at his church every chance that he had. Joseph enjoyed reading books and collecting records. He had a very photographic memory, he could watch any movie or read any book and memorize the whole thing.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Steven and Joann Cook, and two siblings, Deanna Stephanie Spaulding and Steven Wayne Cook Jr.

Joseph is survived by his aunt, Betty Radford of Centerville, Missouri, his stepfather, David Lawhun of Streator, Illinois, and his nephew, Jason Capps.

Visitation: Thursday, January 29, 2026, 12 – 1 PM at McSpadden Funeral Home, Ellington, Missouri

Funeral to follow at 1 PM

Burial: Pleasant Hill Cemetery

Minister: Elder Dennis Burns

Arrangements by McSpadden Funeral Home, Ellington, Missouri