Roger Cook, 92, Boone, Iowa
BOONE, Iowa—Roger Wyant Cook, 92, of Boone and Dayton, IA, passed away on July 29, 2026, at Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone.
Roger was born in 1934 in Eagleville, MO, to Floyd “Toby” Cook and Helen (Wyant) Cook. Growing up alongside his younger brother Larry, Roger graduated from Eagleville High School in 1952, lettering in basketball. He went on to earn a teaching degree from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO, and later a master’s degree in education from Iowa State University.
After teaching in Missouri and Bedford, IA, along with service in the Missouri Army National Guard, Roger and his growing family moved to Boone in 1962, where he began a 32-year career at Boone Jr.-Sr. High School. There, he taught government for several years and later moved into a guidance counselor role, supporting the aspirations of thousands of students. With a deep love for sports, Roger coached basketball, tennis, football, and golf. He also coached the basketball team at Sacred Heart School, and refereed basketball games throughout the area. Every fall, he brought Friday nights to life from the Goeppinger Field press box, announcing football with a distinctive, deep voice that everyone recognized.
Roger partnered with his fellow teacher and friend Richard “Dick” Criner to paint houses throughout the Boone area during the summer breaks. They employed many Boone High teachers and former students. He later expanded his summer work by forming detasseling crews with seed companies, employing even more local students over the years.
In his leisure time, Roger enjoyed farming, golfing, boating, and playing slow-pitch softball on a team with fellow teachers. A lifelong horse lover, he partnered with his friends Harlan Adams and Michael O’Brien to train and race thoroughbreds at regional tracks. Roger also gave back to his community by serving on the Boone City Council.
In 1984, Roger married Jo Corso of Davenport, IA, and they began a 40-year journey together. After retiring in 1994, Roger lived life to the fullest. Roger and Jo enjoyed spending time with Jo’s brother, Rich, and his wife, Becca, in St. Augustine, FL, before ultimately settling in their home in Dayton, IA. Their time in St. Augustine included serving for a year at a local home for at-risk children.
Roger was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jo, his brother, Larry, and his former wife and mother of his children, Joyce (Hutton) Cook.
He is survived by his children and stepchildren, Cindy Stanley (Mark) of Monument, CO, Craig Cook (Molly) of Saratoga Springs, NY, Julie Flynn (Brian) of Elkhorn, NE, Tracey Shaffer (Joe) of Lee’s Summit, MO, Amy Priest of Boone, IA, and Brad Corso (Lori) of Minneapolis, MN. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life for Roger will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home at 609 7th St., Boone, IA.
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