Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Cook Cleland Obituary
1916 - 2007
After attending college at the University of Missouri, Cook began his long and distinguished naval career. He joined the navy in 1940 and went through flight training at Lambert field, Missouri. He married Ora Lee Cleland and continued advanced training in Pensacola, Florida. After qualifying as a dive bomber pilot, he became an accomplished "Ace" during WWII. Right after the war, he evaluated enemy aircraft working as a Navy test pilot in Lexington Park, Maryland.
After WWII, Cook acquired a small airport in Willoughby, Ohio. Along with Dick Becker, he offered flying lessons, air charters and other services. During this time, he turned to air racing in the Cleveland National Air Races. He was able to obtain three F2G Corsairs and began to concentrate on his dream. His dreams came true when he won the Thompson Trophy in 1947 and 1949. Cook discontinued racing when the Korean War began. He continued to fly Corsairs in the Korean War and continued his amazing and heroic accomplishments.
In 1967, Cook retired from the Navy in Kodiak, Alaska and moved to Pensacola, Florida. In Pensacola, a place he loved, he became involved in many businesses that included another of his interests, 18th Century American antiques. His love of that period and it's furniture began as a child. His parents were the first collectors. Cook and Ora Lee began an antique business while still in the Navy. In Pensacola, they continued that interest by operating Cleland Antiques in Seville Square for many years. His enthusiasm was always evident when teaching or talking about antiques. He poured a lot of enthusiasm into his many accomplishments.
In 2000, Cook was inducted into the Motor Sports Hall of Fame in Detroit, Michigan.
Cook Cleland is survived by his daughter Carla Cleland Dedolph of Pensacola, son Todd Cleland of Oak Harbor, Washington, son Chan Cleland of Washburn, Wisconsin, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery on July 17, 2007 at 3:00. A gathering of family and friends for a celebration of Cook's life will be held at, Bayshore Condominiums, 825 Bayshore Dr. at 4:00 on July 17 following the service. The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, friends could contribute to the Pensacola Heritage Foundation in Cook's name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Cook Cleland
Sponsored by Chuck Hughes.
Robert Leffler
June 4, 2021
I grew up near his Willowick, Ohio airport. I remember the two WW2 fighter planes on either side of the refreshment stand on US Route 20. The Cook Cleland hanger and control tower are still there.
Charles Maack
October 26, 2018
I had the pleasure of serving with CAPT. Cleland while we were both stationed at NOB Kodiak where he was OIC ONI and both of us serving COMALSEAFRON/RADM Reira. He was such a fun-loving officer friendly to all who came in contact with him. I will always remember him for his annual "Beer Breakfast and Caribou Sausage" and a luau he arranged with leis flown in from Hawaii. He loved having friends over for get-togethers and dancing. My wife and I were fortunate in driving from Wichita, KS down to Pensacola and visiting with him in 1992. Same friendly and wonderful man in retirement, but saddened by the loss of his wife. Good memories of this Navy man that will remain with me until I eventually join him with our maker.
Charles C. Maack, Master Chief Cryptologic Technician, U.S. Navy (Retired)(1949-1979)
Carolyn (Hill) Tecca
February 27, 2014
When Todd was 3 yrs old, I was Nanny, maid and housekeeper for Ora Lee & Cook. I was only 18, but have never forgotten them.Thank goodness for these days of the power of technology!!!.Found them on Google.
Good old Cook
Tom Bevan
September 16, 2011
September 15, 2011
I just learned of Cook Cleland's death. I took one of his antiques classes at Pensacola Jr. College back in the 70's. His love of antiques was infectious. I still have the notes and textbooks he used in that class and refer to them when buying or refinishing furniture. I even have the funny calling cards he handed out in class!
--Jackie Mathews, Tuscaloosa, AL
Douglas Romoser
September 26, 2007
My uncle Jack Harrison, Rancho Bernardo, CA. sent me this announcement of Cook's death. My uncle Jack and my mother Marjore Harrison Romoser attended Shaw High School on the east side of Cleveland and knew Cook before and after WWII. My mother shared many stories of the fun times and youthful exhuberance with "Cook and the rest of the gang" that ran toghter before and after the war. I had the opportunity to meet Cook one time when I was about 11. Cook was the keynote speaker at a Memorial Day ceramony at a cemetery in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. It is a vivid childhood memory that remains with me today. My mother and everyone in her generation who grew up in Cleveland, OH. were so very proud of Cook and his contribution to the war effort. Today we are all grateful for the sacrafices of the "Greatest Generation". For those of us who grew up in Cleveland, Ohio during the 1950's Cook Cleland was the symbol of patriotism, our hero hometown hero. We are grateful for Cook and the inspiration that he was for so many. Most of all we are grateful for the freedom that Cook helped to preserve for our generation and future gernerations. Our sincerest condolances to Carla, Todd and Chan. Please know that your the memory of your father and his life will live forever.
Doug Romoser, Danville, CA.
Bill O'Connell
September 23, 2007
My condolences to the children of Cook Cleland and his lovely wife Ora Lee. I have only now learned of Cook's death.
It was my privelege to be one of the flight instructors at Saufley Field, Pensacola, from 1952-54, instructing in formation, dog fighting and gunnery flying. Cook was our Commanding Officer of the Training Unit. His wisdom and humor in keeping the pilots in line was exhibited clearly in a memo to the instructors, after they ascertained one day that the weather was too bad to fly, and they adjourned to the Club to enjoy drinks for the afternoon. His advice: "If you've had too many drinks to fly, tell the flight officer you're unable to fly that day. I understand an occasional evening of drinking, but this sip, sip sipping has got to go!"
Cook was greatly admired by all the instructors and students, and he and Ora Lee always generously welcomed us to their home on Bayou Texar.
Many good memories, admiration, and thanks to the Good Lord for his presence among us.
Bill O'Connell, Capt. USN (Ret.)
Dean Shumaker
August 21, 2007
Worked for Cook At the Airport for four years. Enjoyed working for and with him every day of it. He really taught me many of the good useful skills I used in my life. He was a wonderful Boss. May god bless him.
Larece Galer
August 13, 2007
What I know About Cook Cleland.
The Gathering of Eagles began on Friday the 13th at Willoughby Lost Nation Airport, and then after the show closed the phone call came. The show is usually attended by three generations of my family, my father, myself, and a grandson. This year was no exception.
Dad travels from Mobile, Ala. to spend the week talking flying and
helping with the show. I grew up hearing tales of great fliers and the exploits of those who took to the skies in the area when my father was learning to fly.
Cook Cleland, 90, was a former Willoughby resident and local aviation legend here in Northeast Ohio. Cleland had a long, illustrious career as a Naval aviator and made a name for himself in this area as an air racer and the operator of the Euclid Avenue Airport.
I found it ironic that a man who had given so much to area aviation
would leave us on the first day of the show at the Lost Nation Airport. Cleland had air shows at his airport in Willoughby in the late 1940s.
Cleland was born in Cleveland in 1916, entered the Navy in 1940 and trained at Lambert Field in Missouri. His advanced training was done at NAS Pensacola.
He attained "Ace" status as a dive-bomber pilot in World War II and is credited with sinking a Japanese aircraft carrier while in the Pacific.
During his military career Cleland was awarded the Navy Cross, Air Medal with three Gold Stars, Purple Heart, Navy Commendation and a Presidential Citation.
After the war he returned to the area and bought the small airport in Willoughby. Cleland ran the airport until he was recalled to duty in 1951 to serve in Korea..
For those who don't know, the airport was located in the vicinity of
Euclid Avenue, Beidler Road and Route 91 in Willoughby.
Cleland's airport helped give area teenagers the opportunity to learn to fly. Teens could work around the field and earn a few dollars while getting half-price flying lessons.
Perhaps the most well known accomplishment by Cleland in those days were his Corsairs. The three military surplus fighters were part of Cleveland's National Air Races in the late 1940s with the team competing in '47, '48 and '49.
Cleland gave a young woman the opportunity to begin her aviation career as a prop girl at the field. Patricia Hange of Bartow, Fla., went on to be honored in 2001 with the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award. She was the first female to earn the award given to aircraft mechanics with 50 or more continuous years of aviation maintenance.
Cleland also helped the young Marge Hurlburt of Painesville learn to fly the Corsair. Hurlburt went on to set a speed record in the Corsair that had been named "The City of Painesville."
Dick Becker of Geneva, a lifelong friend of Cleland's, flew one the
Corsairs in the races. Becker met Cleland while both were stationed on the East Coast as Naval Test Pilots, and came to work in Willoughby at the urging of Cleland.
Cleland and Becker were guests of the Air Racing Historians in 2003. At that time, Cleland said "My toughest competitor was Dick Becker." The two had a mutual respect for each other that translated into their stories of flying in the Cleveland National Air Races.
Chuck Hughes of Corpus Christi, Texas, was one of the prop boys who worked at the Willoughby airport. Hughes was so influenced by Cleland he spent 31 years in the Navy, and he kept in contact with Cleland since his days at the Willoughby airfield.
Cleland not only had a positive influence on the younger generation. After returning from Korea and being discharged from the Navy, he settled in Pensacola where he made an impact on the antiques business. Cleland's love for antique furniture was learned at an early age from his parents.
Those youngsters influenced by this gentle fun-loving man included my own father who worked at the airport while learning to fly.
Meeting Cook Cleland was one of my most exciting experiences. He was larger than life, with a smile that never seemed to leave his face. The glint in his eye advertised his love of life and his firm handshake let you know he was sincere. His enthusiasm for flying and for antiques was contagious for young and old alike.
The aviation community has lost one of its truly great pilots. He may not have been as well known as some, but to those he met and those who knew him well he touched each one of us in a special way.
Tony Ambrose
August 5, 2007
It is difficult to find words to express the impact Cook Cleland had on the aviation community. It's easy to look at his accomplishments in the Post World War II Cleveland National Air Races, his service record in World War II and Korea,and his part in supporting aviation by owning an airport in the Cleveland area that spurred many people to learn to fly. But more importantly, he helped so many people realize their dreams and inspired scores of others by his accomplishments. He was a war hero, a two-time Thompson Trophy winning champion and an inspiration to generations of aviation enthusiasts. Cook Cleland will be missed. His kind are few and far between.
Kenneth Benjamin
July 31, 2007
I was a "airport kid" at the old Euclid Ave. airport in the late 1940's when Cook had the Corsairs and stripping out the PBY's for Canadian sportsmen.He was our hero and will not be forgotten by those of us who knew him and his legendary aviation career. A one of a kind individual.Fair sky's and light winds Cook.
tom friedman
July 31, 2007
i met cook 1 time at the corsair event in indiana in 2003. his picture is in my office. it was like meeting a legend. i'm so grateful for the opportunity. r.i.p. & god speed
Keith Alves
July 30, 2007
The little kid that lived next door to Euclid Ave Airport.
Watching the commings and goings-the Stearmans, Wacos, Cubs and Champs.
Hearing the "Bark" of the 4360 in August-preparing for the Thompson in September.
The arrival of the PBYs was a sight to behold.
All of the above influenced that kid to pursue aviation. For that I am so thankful.
Tailwinds and a Full Tank Friend.
Keith Alves
Bill Meixner
July 28, 2007
I took my first plane ride at Cook's Airport, it inspired me to learn to fly. It was an honor to know Cook and to chat with him at our Air Shows. Godspeed Cook.
1947 Cook, Mrs and the Trophies
July 28, 2007
Kenn Smith
July 28, 2007
My 2nd model airplane was the Cox F2G Corsair. Thru that I became hooked on air racing and everything I could find that had to do with Cook Cleland and his F2G Corsairs. It was my great pleasure to finally meet him at a SARH symposium and several symposiums since. I will miss his stories and the eneregy that he brought with him to the symposiums. I am glad that we were able to record many of his stories.
Kenn Smith
SARH Symposium Tape Librarian
Certified F2G Nut mainly due to Cook Cleland
Dive Bombing.
Chuck Hughes
July 20, 2007
More photos
Cleland!
Chuck Hughes
July 19, 2007
More photos.
Cookie Cleland wearing his yellow shirt from USS Lexington.
Chuck Hughes
July 19, 2007
More photos.
Let's go out?
Chuck Hughes
July 19, 2007
More photos.
Where is the throttle?
Chuck Hughes
July 19, 2007
I wanted to attach more photos to our Guest Book. My honor and tribute to Captain Cookie Cleland of Pensacola, US Navy, and Air Racing fame!
Cook with Chuck 2006
Chuck Hughes
July 19, 2007
More photos.
Dewey Ferrell
July 19, 2007
It was a great pleasure to know Cook Cleland. He was an extraordinary man who did extraordinay accomplishments. We will miss him. A true American Hero.
Jim Holloway
July 18, 2007
Good bye to a great patriot, a true hero and a faithful friend. You will be missed but not forgotten. Jim Holloway.
July 17, 2007
Many years of enjoying Cook's humor and his "cards".
kay Hull
July 17, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss of such a great man.he will surley be missed by lots of people.he always had a smile on his face and was always ready with a new card.carla todd,chan,please know we loved cook john thought the world of his uncle.
Bill Clarke
July 16, 2007
Thank you Cook for all the fond memories. You will be missed by many.
Our prayers are with you.
Bill and Ev Clarke
CARL YEATER
July 16, 2007
I KNEW COOK AS A 17 YEAR OLD. IN 1948 I WORKED DURING THE SUMMER FOR COOK HELPING READY THE F2G'S FOR THE RACE. I USED THE MONEY TO TAKE FLYING LESSONS AT AKRON. LATER IN THE AIR FORCE I WENT THROUGH AVIATION CADETS.
IN VIET NAM I WAS AWARDED 3 DFC, 1 BS, AND 21 AM.
RETIRED AS A MAJOR.
I OWE THIS TO A GREAT MAN WHO WAS A GREAT INFLUENCE IN MY YOUNG LIFE.
MAY GOD KEEP YOU IN HIS WINGS.
Dave Robertson
July 16, 2007
The members of Fighter Squadron VF-653 send their respects to acknowledge the superb leadership of our Commanding Officer, Cook Cleland. He developed our combat skills in the Ready Reserve, and when we were activated, he lead us on our combat missions in Korea.
Robbie Stuart
July 16, 2007
When I first became interested in Corsairs, & air racing I learned about Cook. I had Crew Chiefed an F4U-4 some on the air show circit for the late Merle Gustafason. I was living in Pensacola hanging out at Trader Jon's. There was a replica of the Thompson Trophy in Trader's & I had stuided up on it & at the time could tell you all about Cook Cleland. One day Trader asks me to show a gentleman what my most favorite item was in Traders vast collection of aviation goodies. Of course I picked the Thompson Trophy, & told the gentleman all I knew about the trophy, & that Cook was one of my heros. Well at that point the fellow looked at me, smiled, put out his hand to shake mine & said you did pretty good. I said my name is Robbie Stuart, & he said "glad to meet you, I'm Cook Cleland". He was a true gentleman & good guy. Godspeed Cook.
stephen raybourn pa-c comfort care medical group
July 16, 2007
our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow
Chuck Hughes
July 16, 2007
Cook Cleland made his last left turn. That is Air Racing parlance as in turning the pylon. He is a two-time winner of the coveted Thompson Trophy. Cook Cleland is a great hero for all. He was an Ace in World War II. He sank an enemy aircraft carrier in the Pacific Ocean, after they sank one from underneath him. He is a strong civic leader. He is a leader in Aviation. He is a hero to be epitomized by all. All do not realize that. If you have been with Cook, you know that all had a good time. He is equally loved by those who served with him in combat. He is highly decorated and well deserving of that. I have been asked to pass along by all who remain from his Fighter Squadron 653 of Korean War Days to toast as much dedication to Cook Cleland as I can muster up. I am certain the same hails from VB-16 and all of the other Naval Units with which Cook served. Here, here! It is my HONOR to be present and witness his interment. Cook Cleland will rest now in Pensacola. That is a mutual love for both the city and he. I salute you Cook Cleland. I salute all of his wonderful family. My pride runs deep for all of you. Thank you. Chuck Hughes, email [email protected], telephone 361-563-2616, Corpus Christi, Texas.
Allan Ulrich
July 15, 2007
My prayers and heartfelt sympathy to all the Cleland family. Cook was one of the most outstanding and personable gentlemen I had the honor of knowing while in the Navy and after we had retired from service.
Cook and Trophy
Donald Prendergast
July 15, 2007
A Great War Hero..Cook and Roscoe Turner the only pilots to win the Thompson Trophy more than once! Visit Google Search, Cook Cleland, and read of his history, 4 pages available.
Donald Prendergast
July 15, 2007
A Great War Hero..Cook and Roscoe Turner the only pilots to win the Thompson Trophy more than once! Visit Google Search, Cook Cleland, and read of his history, 4 pages available.
Ginny Cook, KWVA Chap. 293
July 15, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Anne St.John
July 15, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Tom Bevan
July 15, 2007
I've known Cook for most of my life.He was always a kind and good person.
Neil O. Myers
July 15, 2007
An outstanding Commander of VF-653 aboard the USS Valley Forge during the early 1950's. It was a privilege and honor to serve in his command.
1947 Winner
July 15, 2007
Owen Miller
July 15, 2007
He was a gracious gentleman; outgoing, funny, and humble as can be from a generation that stands alone. Godspeed
Cook, we'll miss you!!!!!!!
Showing 1 - 42 of 42 results
Make a Donation
in Cook Cleland's name
Memorial Events
for Cook Cleland
How to support Cook's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Cook Cleland's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
