Robert Cookson

Robert H. Cookson VIRGINIA BEACH - We lost a valiant warrior with the passing of Cmdr. Robert H. Cookson on Nov. 15, 2009, at the age of 86. Bob was born in Forman, N.D., March 13, 1923, and was the eldest of six children born to Mildred (Hurly) and Charles Cookson. He spent his early childhood in Forman and joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. Bob married Joyce Davis in 1946, and together they raised their five children at various duty stations, eventually making Virginia Beach their primary home. After a distinguished 30-year Naval career as an aviation and nuclear weapons training officer, Bob retired with the rank of commander in 1971. In 1976, Bob and Joyce returned home to Forman where they resided until Joyce's death in 1980. Bob loved his hometown and chose to remain in Forman continuing his active involvement in the community. He owned and operated the Forman Hotel on Main Street, along with the Forman Theater. He served two successful terms as mayor of Forman and distinguished himself by making numerous improvements and contributions to the community. In 1984, Bob married DeDe (Meier) Diegel, with whom he shared his life and their combined families for the past 25 years. Bob is survived by his wife, DeDe of Forman; three daughters, Jeanne (Bob) Fritsche of Edenton, N.C., Lynn (Jerry) Hunter of Williamsburg, Va., and Punta Gorda, Fla., Tammy (Joey) Odom of Virginia Beach; two sons, Bob (Karen) Cookson of Virginia Beach and Bill (Julianne) Cookson of Chesapeake; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Patty Boehm and Kathleen Isensee; a half sister, Mary Emily Thomas; a half brother, Charles Cookson; their families and a host of extended family including three stepsons, Jay Diegel, Tate (Teresa) Diegel, Troy (DeAnn) Diegel; 10 stepgrandchildren; and two stepgreat-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, his first wife, two sisters, Jane Oyer and Janice Wyum, and a brother, William Cookson. Bob gave his heart and soul to Forman, N.D., and it is only fitting that he be laid to rest in the town that he called home for so many years. He will be missed by his loving family and friends as all are blessed to have been a part of his life. Our farewell salute to a true "Officer and a Gentleman." A funeral was held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, in Trinity Lutheran Church, Forman. Burial was with full military honors in Forman Cemetery. Arrangements were with Price Funeral Chapel, Forman. Online guestbook and obituary are available at www. pricefuneralchapel.net.