Moreland Butler Rook's Obituary
A Celebration of Life for Moreland Butler Rook will be held Monday, February 29, 2016 at 10 a.m., at Rader Funeral Home. Reader, Debbie McCook will officiate. Moreland passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2016.
Moreland was born October 27, 1943 in Jacksonville, TX, the fourth of four boys born to B.G. and Dorothy A. Rook. The family moved to Longview in 1945. At home, his parents instilled a strong work ethic. By the tender age of 10, he had a paper route for The Longview News-Journal, the first of several careers, including welder, oilfield tank gauger, and small business owner. He found great satisfaction in a job well done, whatever it may be, without complaint. Even after a full day on the job, it was common to find him busy on a project at home. He retired last year to devote himself entirely to his family.
Growing up, Moreland loved and excelled at sports, but football was always his favorite. He never lost his passion for the game and rarely missed watching his Dallas Cowboys.
After attending Del-Mar College in Corpus Christi, Moreland returned to Longview in 1964, where he met the love of his life, Ava Carolyn Oney. They were married August 20, 1966, and were blessed with three children, Deborah Susann, Moreland Brian and Laura Lyn.
Moreland possessed a wonderful sense of humor that never waned. He was a joy. He made us laugh. His kindness extended to everyone, but his heart was his family. Moreland achieved his greatest success as a loving, devoted husband and father.
Moreland was an active member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Longview for many years, and then most recently in Tyler.
He is preceded in death by his parents B.G. and Dorothy Rook, and his brother Lt.Cmdr. Wilson C. Rook.
Those left to cherish Moreland's memory are his loving wife of 49 years, Carolyn; his daughter Debby Faulkner, husband Gary, and their children Savannah and Layton; his son Brian Rook, wife Rachel, and their children Caleb, Owen and Nora; his daughter Laura Newsom, husband Joshua, and their children Jordan, Ava Grace, and Isabella; brothers Benson A. Rook of Sacramento, CA, and Heasley St. John Rook of Houston, TX; brother-in-law Evan Oney, who Moreland considered his own brother, and his beloved sister-in-law Donna Oney Spencer, both of Longview; also numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
As per Moreland’s wishes cremation arrangements are under the care of Rader Funeral Home, Longview.
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