Melvin J. Cook

Melvin (Mel) John Cook, 71, of La Junta, Colorado, passed away peacefully at his home on March 17, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer.


Mel was born in Pueblo, Colorado, on March 28, 1942. Following graduation from Rocky Ford High School (1960) he joined the United States Air Force and served 4 years, attended Otero Junior College, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (1967) and a Master’s of Arts Degree in Cultural Relations (1972) from Adams State College, and did additional postgraduate work at University of Colorado.


Mel married Toni Lee Isbell on August 25, 1965; they were happily married for 48 years.

During his 29 years as an administrator at Otero Junior College, Mel served in various capacities; Director of Housing and Student Activities, Veterans Advisor, Director of Student Financial Aid, and at the time of his retirement (1996) was Assistant Dean of Student Personnel Services. He also served as Otero County Veterans Service Officer.

Mel was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of La Junta, La Junta Golf Club, Colorado Association of Financial Aid Administrators, Al Kaly Shrine, Past Master of Euclid Lodge, and Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center Ethics Committee.


Mel’s greatest joys were his granddaughters, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends. His interests were quite diverse. His stained glass creations can be found gracing many homes and churches throughout the valley. His musical talents were evident as the string bass player with the musical group, The Professors, who entertained locally, throughout Colorado, and in other states. He enjoyed being outdoors camping, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, playing golf, and working in his beautiful yard. He was also actively involved in volunteering for many years as an OJC Rodeo Club sponsor and a coach for La Junta High School Track Team discus throwers. An avid Bronco fan, Mel could always be found cheering them on, often from the “south stands.”


Mel is survived by his spouse, Toni; son Curt Cook of Pueblo; granddaughters Allison and Emily Cook of Pueblo; brother Robert (Pat) Cook of Pueblo; brother-in-laws Dave (Elaine) Isbell of Evergreen and Bill (Linda) Isbell of Thornton; sister-in-laws Barbara (Frank) Earley of Sedalia, Sandy (Greg) Williams and Kathy (Don) Logan of Manzanola; his loving nieces, nephews and numerous other relatives.


Mel was preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Edna Cook and his son Christopher Cook.

Those wishing to do so may make memorial donations to Arkansas Valley Hospice Assoc., P.O. Box 408, La Junta, CO, 81050 or to the First Presbyterian Church direct or through the funeral home.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.


A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 111 East 20th St., La Junta, Colorado, at 11:00 am on March 21, 2014. Inurnment will take place at Fairview Cemetery in La Junta following the service.