Joseph Preston Rook, Sr.

Joseph Preston “Buzzy” Rook, 73, of North Little Rock, passed away Sunday, June 3, 2007.

He was a retired railroad conductor, employed by the Rock Island Railroad for thirty-three years and the Union Pacific Railroad. He was a member of Lakewood United Methodist Church for forty-two years where he enjoyed the contemporary service. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Rock Island Club.

Buzzy is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jane Butler Rook; two sons, Joe Rook, Jr. (Shelly) and Alec Rook (Ramona) of North Little Rock; two daughters, Louisa Rock (Jonathan Teague) of Little Rock and Sarah Green (Tim) of Buckville; one brother, Benjy Rook (Debbie) of Searcy; four grandchildren, Joseph Preston Rook III, Lauren Rook, Branden Rook, and Ellie Green; one great-grandchild, Kiley Reyse.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Helen Rook, and grandchild, Anna Noel Rook.

Buzzy was born on March 2, 1934 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He grew up on the east side of downtown Little Rock and attended Little Rock public schools: Parham Elementary, East Side Junior High School, and Central High School. He was a founding member of the Central High School Jazz Band. He was an outstanding trumpeter and played in several Dixieland and Big Bands in Little Rock in the late forties and early fifties.

Buzzy face many challenges in his lifetime. He eagerly provided for his entire family as a teenager when his father suffered from multiple sclerosis. He handled this difficult situation with the quiet determination, intelligence, and toughness that he would use throughout his lifetime. He was a very dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend and was a person who was always willing to offer assistance in time of need. He was kind and loving and had a great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by many.

Services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at Lakewood United Methodist Church, located at the corner of Topf and Fairway in North Little Rock.
The family will greet friends directly after the service in Wesley Hall at the Church. Private burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in Little Rock. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, June 5, at Roller-Owens Funeral Home (501-791-7400).

Memorials may be made to the Lakewood United Methodist Church Kitchen Building Fund, 1922 Topf Rd., North Little Rock, AR 72116.