Robert Cooke

Robert L. Cooke PORTSMOUTH - Robert Lewis Cooke, 85, affectionately known as "Bob," received his new body in Christ Dec. 17, 2009, and was immediately reunited with Erma - the love of his life. Bob was a native of Lasker, N.C., and the son of Virginia and Lokie Cooke. He enjoyed a life filled to the brim with love of Jesus, family, and friends. He never knew a stranger and always took the time to give words of encouragement and love to everyone he met. He was always forgiving, always welcoming, and always humble. Even in failing health, including difficulty breathing, he always looked out for everyone before himself. Bob was an active member of Westhaven Baptist Church. He was a member of the Usher Board and the Hundley Sunday School Class. He raised his family in the church and taught by word and example how to live a life for Jesus. Bob was a World War II veteran and proudly served in the Pacific theater on the USS Wantuck. He helped to liberate the Philippines, rescued POWs from Japan and watched Gen. Douglas MacArthur sign the treaty to end the war. After the war, he eventually made his way to Norfolk where he worked at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and met Erma Sears. They were married for 52 ½ years when she died. He retired from the Norfolk Ford Assembly Plant after 38 years of service and remained true to that company until his death. Left to cherish his memory and continue his legacy are his four children, Laurel E. Loving of Prince George County, Virginia, Robert Lewis Cooke Jr. of Washington, D.C., Ronald Lee Cooke of Portsmouth, Lisa Cooke Wagner and her husband, Dennis of Chesapeake; his greatest joy was his grandchildren, Suzanne Michelle Loving of Nashville, Tenn., Elizabeth Anne Wagner and Dennis Robert Cooke Wagner of Chesapeake. He is also survived by his sister, Helen Hartman of Maryland; a host of nieces and nephews; many, many friends, and Sylvia, Linda, and Tracy of Sentara Home Health Services. A celebration of his life will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, in Westhaven Baptist Church by Pastors Bruce and Traci Powers. Burial will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. today in Loving Funeral Home, Churchland Chapel. Memorial donations may be made to Westhaven Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.lovingfuneralhome.com.