James Robert "Bob" Cook
James Robert (Bob) Cook
Heaven gained an angel Saturday October 26, 2013 at 12:25 PM when Bob went to join his Lord and Savior. He left this life at Marion General Hospital surrounded by his adoring family. He was 82.
Bob was born March 30, 1931 in Marion to the late James Edson and Martha Jane (Davis) Cook. He lived his entire life in Marion County. He graduated from Morral High School and on January 8, 1951 he married the love of his life, Madonna Thome, who survives. They shared 62 years together.
Bob was a life long farmer. In younger years he worked for both Pollock and Commercial Steel Companies, and he was a founding partner in Green Acres Heating and Air (Now Wenig’s Inc.) But farming was his passions and it became his full time profession.
He had a outrageous sense of humor. He loved hearing and telling a good story or joke, and he excelled at it. He loved to make people laugh. Pranks were frequent-there was seldom a dull moment.
He was a man of honor and integrity, he believed in doing that which is right. To know him was to love him and he was well known. He was gentle and generous and donated to many charities. He had a huge capacity for love, evidenced by his love for and from his family and numerous friends including his four legged ones. He enjoyed meeting with the local farmers each morning and afternoon at Coonies Coffee Shop for coffee and conversation. He also looked forward to breakfast at the Plaza Inn each Sunday with his friend William Gracely. He was a lover of antiques. From picking to repair and restoration, he has a great appreciation of old things. Each of his children were gifted with pieces of furniture he had restored for them. He was always up for a game of euchere and was crazy about airplanes.
Of course the biggest love of his life was his family. Along with Madonna he leaves sons James Robert (Kathy) Cook Jr. of Parkland, Florida, John K. Cook of Marion and his daughter Erica (Ryan) Criswell, Ronald J. (Teresa) Cook of Marion and their children, Aaron and Aubrey(Andre Garceau) and daughter Valerie “Kim” of Marion. Five Great Grandchildren; Andre, Gretchen, Aadelyn Jaxon and Julianne, Two granddaughters Courtney and Nicole and Two great grandchildren; Dominic and Gabrielle and many Nieces and nephews. His loss leaves a hole in all our hearts. He was the ultimate father and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Clarence King and sister Lena Mae Steen.
He was a former member of the LaRue Lions club and former Asst. Scout Master with the LaRue Boy Scout Troop. He attended the LaRue United Methodist Church and the Tuesday night Bible study. He also went to mass at St Mary’s with Madonna on Saturday nights. The world is diminished by your leaving but our love and memories sustain us. You will be greatly missed.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday October 30, 2013 at 2:30 PM at the LaRue United Methodist Church. Minister will be The Rev. Edward W. Fugate. Friends may call at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in LaRue on Tuesday from 4 to 7 PM.
Those who wish may make contributions to either, St. Vincent DePaul of Marion, LaRue United Methodist Church or Central Ohio Diabetes Assc.
Remembrances and Condolences may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com.
Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home