MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Elbert Earl Cook, 71, of Marble Hill passed away Sunday, April 22, 2012, at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born Aug. 22, 1940, at Bessville, Mo., son of Marion Amon and Grace Mae Angle Cook. He and Verla M. Cook were married June 26, 1960. She passed away April 18, 2011.

Elbert was a logger and pallet mill worker many years, retiring from Keifer Pallet at Sedgewickville, Mo. He was a member of Hurricane Fork General Baptist Church.

Elbert had a love for people. He never met anyone he didn't know. He enjoyed church, camping, junking, auctions, gardening and spending time with his special buddy, James. His many grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a huge part of what made him Papaw. His love for them was unconditional.

Survivors include three daughters, Pam (Rick) Terbrak, Jan Cook of Marble Hill, Pat (Winthol) Frailey of Jackson; three stepchildren, Brenda Cates of Jackson, Mike (Mary) Sander, Sue (Joe) Jordan of Marble Hill; his dog, Tiny; siblings, Lula Statler, Louise Hanners, Billy J.C. Cook, Betty Crites, Mary Ellen Robinson and Larry Cook; 13 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, Elbert was preceded in death by an infant brother and an infant sister; a sister, Lucille; a brother, Gordon; and two grandsons, Adam Terbrak and Lance Cates.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill, and from 9:30 a.m. until service time Wednesday at Hurricane Fork General Baptist Church.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church, with the Rev. Steven Sander and the Rev. Alan Terbrak officiating. Interment will be in James Cemetery near Marble Hill.