Robert Henry Cook

Robert Henry Cook, I, of Ashland, Kansas, was born Thursday December 7, 1939, in Ashland. He died Saturday, September 25, 1993, at the Ashland District Hospital, Ashland, Kansas at the age of 53 years, nine months, and 18 days.

Robert was the third child born to Winton Alex (Doc) and Cora Mae (Holler) Cook. He grew up in the Ashland community and attended the Ashland Grade School and High School, earning his GED in 1979.

He worked at many jobs throughout his life time to support his family. His last job was at the Clark County Highway Department. No matter what he was called upon to do, you knew he'd finish the job and do it right. He loved working in his yard, remodeling their home, tinkering with cars, watching movies, fishing, hunting, camping and his wife, children and grandchildren. Although blind in one eye, he rarely missed a shot when hunting and was an ace at billiards. In fact he won at most games. He never failed to stop what he was doing to help someone else; her he will be greatly missed. He loved to tease and never met a stranger.

On his twenty-third birthday, December 7, 1962, Robert married Mary Lucille Ehret. They celebrated 30 years of marriage in 1992. He was devoted to his wife. They shared every thing and when you saw one, you would see both.

His greatest joy was traveling to Germany and France in 1989 to visit his sons and family. This was the first time in eight years he'd seen his family together. His pride and joy was his children, and all three gave him much to brag about. He was very proud of them and their feats in life. He saw his sons grow-up, graduate and go into the Army to see the world. He adored his daughter-in-laws. He watched the daughter he waited ten years for grow-up, date, attend college, become a Mama Sita and, this past June, he gave her away to a man he trusted and admired. These three in-laws he considered his children also. He enjoyed teasing them and each had a special place in his heart. He was blessed with four grandchildren. He rarely saw them, but was always found playing with them when they were near. His irrepressible sense of humor was even more present around the grandchildren. He took great pride in being able to wear a hat that said "Sexy Grandpa".

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary, of the home; two sons, Robert H. Cook, II , and wife Marnie and Staff Sergeant John W. Cook and wife Shari; one daughter Leslie Baia and husband Staff Sergeant Ernie Baia; his mother, Cora Cook; two brothers, Milo Cook and Tom Cook; two sisters, Patricia McDonald and Edna Jantzen; four grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 29, 1993 in the Church of God, Ashland, with pastor John Carney officiating. Burial was in the Highland Cemetery, Ashland, Kansas.