Larry Eugene Cook

Larry Eugene Cook, 80, of La Junta, Colorado passed away on June 12, 2026, at his La Junta home surrounded by his wife and son. He was born as Larry Eugene Jamison on Saturday, February 2, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri to his parents, Chester Jamison and Billie Jean (Hazlett) Jamison. Billie Jean later married James Cook who adopted Larry at the young age of three.

Larry grew up in Elwood, Kansas. He spent a lot of time as a teen working in his father’s sawmill. He enjoyed Boy Scouts and earned his Eagle Scout. He loved spending his free time playing drums and trombone, and he began his music career young. As a teen he played percussion for the St Joseph City Orchestra, and he was even chaperoned by his mother to fill in as a substitute drummer for various jazz bands in night clubs. Larry played both drums and trombone in his High School marching bands as well. Larry played in various bands throughout the years ranging from country, rock, and even a Greek band in Denver. Larry graduated high school in Wathena, Kansas. He then went on and graduated from college with a music degree from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri

After moving to La Junta in 1974, he became a part of the Jean Hale Trio. Shortly after he joined the bands Country Gold, then Country Crossroads. For many years he volunteered as a member of the orchestra at the Picketwire Theatre, with his last production being Mama Mia.

He was a member of the Arkansas Valley Community Band for many years as well. Larry taught High School Music in Iowa and Cheraw, Colorado. He then worked for Otero County Social Services as a Case Worker for 37 years. Larry had a very strong work ethic which he was taught by his father, James, which was instilled in him. Larry was a member of the Lady of Guadalupe/Saint Patrick Parish.

Larry married Connie (Herrera) Cook January 20, 1978, and they were married for 48 years and in this union, had three children and six grandchildren.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Connie Cook of the La Junta home; children, Damon (Marcella) Cook of Lees Summit, Missouri, Lorri (Jamie) Garcia of Canon City, Colorado and Lindsey (Tyler) Carlock of Denton, Texas; grandchildren; Alex Gonzalez; Brandon Garcia; William “Liam” Garcia; Natalie & James Carlock; and soon to be with us, Ainsley Carlock; siblings, Becky & Cindy Jamison of Missouri and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins also survive.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, James and Billie Jean Cook and his brother, Jack Jamison.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held Monday, June 22, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe/ St. Patrick Parish Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. with Father Dennis Mary Dugan of our Lady of Guadalupe/ St. Patrick Parrish officiating.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Perez & Peacock Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.