Bob J. Cook

Bob J. Cook, of Hurst, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at the age of 88 in Bedford, Texas.

Bob was born on January 1, 1936 in Vallejo, California to Joe Cook and Florence Pauline “Polly” Cook. His father, Joe, served in the Navy as a cook and baker, primarily on a submarine. The family lived in San Diego, Connecticut, Philadelphia, Virginia, Florida, Washington State and Panama before settling in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Bob was especially fond of the time he spent growing up in Washington State around Seattle and Bainbridge Island. As an adult, he returned there several times to visit and was able to continue friendships from that time. 

He graduated from Ardmore High School, Class of 1955, and then went on to pursue his Bachelors of Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Oklahoma.  It was here that he met Linda. They started dating in 1957, continued to date the next 2 years, and married August 16, 1959 in Sulphur, Oklahoma, Linda’s hometown. When Bob finished his last semester, they went through the graduation ceremony together in May of 1960.

While in college, he worked for a while the 7:00pm-7:00am shift at a Phillips 66 gas station, then had an 8:00am class to attend. He survived on coffee, coffee and more coffee. He also worked as a lifeguard on campus when a new gym and pool were built. After moving to Texas, he worked summers as a lifeguard, swim instructor and pool manager at Diamond Oaks Country Club, Glen Garden Country Club, Hurst Central Pool, City of Bedford pools- Central Pool, Bedford Boy’s Ranch and Sotogrande pool. 

After graduation, Bob and Linda came to Hurst, Texas to teach. Linda taught second grade at Bellaire Elementary.  Bob began his teaching journey at Hurst Junior High from 1960-1968 where he taught art, boy’s physical education and had the opportunity to coach all sports, which led him to start a girls track team. During this time, his two daughters were born. Teri Jo on May 14, 1964 and Carol Ann on May 3, 1969.  Linda became a stay-at-home mom so she could be with the girls until both entered school. 

While working, Bob continued to further his education, obtaining his Masters of Education at North Texas State University in Denton. While in school and building his life with his family, he held many positions including: an illustrator and technical writer at LTV (Ling-Temco-Vought) from 1968-1975, a teacher of the Occupational Orientation Program at Euless Junior High in 1975, a CVAE (Coordinated Vocational Academic Education Co-Op) teacher at LD Bell High School from 1976-1977, assistant principal at Euless Junior High from 1978-1983 and lastly an assistant principal at LD Bell High School, 1983-1999, where he retired from.

In his free time, he enjoyed working out and went to the gym every day after work. He loved painting, fishing, and reading. One of his and Linda’s favorite places was the beach, they went to Port Aransas every summer as a family. If not out and about, you could find Bob watching sports on TV, or any time recently, the Yellowstone series. He also enjoyed time spent with “the men” (his friends) which usually involved eating BBQ, burgers or Mexican food. However more than anything, Bob loved his family and always cherished the time he was able to spend with them. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose caring spirit and loving smile will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege to know and love him. 

Bob is preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Linda Kay Cook.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his daughters, Teri Pate and partner Danny Johnson, Carol Lowery and husband Matt; granddaughter, Taylor Pate and partner Irwin Cortes; grandson, Max Lowery, granddaughter, Ella Lowery; great-grandsons, Rey and Noah Cortes; numerous other extended family members, and loving friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held from 2:00-4:30pm Monday, July 8, 2024 at the Hayview Event Venue 495 W. Harwood Rd. Hurst, Texas 76053.