Ronald “Dean” Cook, 85, of Festus died Jan. 31, 2025, at his home. Mr. Cook retired in 1994 as a machinist for McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft in St. Louis. He was a member of the Teamsters Union. He spent most of his younger years involved with equine and enjoyed competing in horse shows and breaking in horses to sell. He was a member of the Circle H. Saddle Club. He and his first wife, Marge (Redman) Cook, started Bar Doolin Ranch in 1966 and ran it until their separation. In 1996, his daughter, Lena, and Shawn Ponder, whom she later married, took over the ranch. Together, they ran it for more than 20 years. After Mr. Cook retired from Bar Doolin, he and his companion, Mary Ann, spent their winters traveling to various warm-weather states in their RV. They spent their summers at home riding his golf cart around the ranch and fishing in one of his ponds. Recently, he spent most of his time working in his garage on various small projects, such as taking tires off old wheels, pulling alternators apart for scrap copper or rebuilding steps for trailers. At age 85, he was still cutting his own lawn, cooking his own meals and driving himself to doctor appointments. He would even try cleaning out his own gutters as he rarely ever asked anyone for help. He enjoyed sitting in his garage during the early weekend mornings talking with his friend Chris and his grandson. Born March 31, 1939, in Farmington, he was the son of the late Luther W. Cook and Melissa “Lissie” (Hurst) Cook.
He is survived by his companion of more than 24 years: Mary Ann Sconce; a daughter: Susan (Robert) Abernathy of Festus; a grandson: Jesse (Teresa) Pehle of De Soto; and two great-grandchildren: Kamryn and Peyton Pehle.
He was preceded in death by two daughters: Lena Mae Ponder and Gwen Elizabeth Cook; six sisters: Alva, Buela, Norma, Marie, Melba and Delpha; and three brothers: Jesse, Dale and Jay.
A celebration of life is scheduled from 4-6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.