Our Team

Meet your local insurance experts.

Outstanding service starts with an outstanding team. Meet the professionals behind Cook Insurance Agency, Inc..

Charles Rush

Owner/Agent

Charles is a life-long resident of Butler, MO and a 1978 graduate of the University of Missouri earning a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. He joined Cook Insurance in 1991 as an agent and then purchased the agency from Jerry Cook in 1998. Charles is fully licensed for life, health, property and casualty insurance.

Charles stays active in the community as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Butler Lions Club, as well as sponsoring an array of other local activities.

Lara Merryfield

Agent/CSR

Lara is originally from Osceola, MO and currently resides in rural Butler, MO.  She joined Cook Insurance in May 2012 and is fully licensed for property, casualty, life and health insurance.  Lara obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality from Missouri State University in 2009

Lara specializes in personal lines customer service & sales, and is also in charge of our claim department.

Bryant Rush

Agent/CSR

Bryant is a life-long resident of Butler. He joined Cook Insurance in July of 2013 and is fully licensed for property, casualty, life and health insurance. Bryant obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness Management from the University of Missouri in 2011.

Bryant specializes in personal lines customer service & sales.

Maddison Klinksick- CSR

Maddy is a recent graduate from Rich Hill High School. She joined Cook Insurance in October 2021 and will be obtaining her insurance license for property and casualty. Maddy keeps our office running smoothly and helps guide our customers need’s to the appropriate agent. She has been a great addition to our team.