Joseph Robert Cook

Joseph Robert Cook

Haughton, LA - Joseph R. Cook passed away Friday evening, January 18, 2013, after a brief illness. He was 90 years old. Services will be Tuesday, January 22, 2013, at 2:00 pm at St. George's Episcopal Church in Bossier City, LA with The Very Reverend James E. Flowers, Jr. officiating, and The Rev'd Guido Verbeck, Assisting Presbyter. Burial at Hill Crest Memorial Park in Haughton, LA, will immediately follow the service. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Monday, January 21, 2013, at Rose-Neath in Bossier City, LA.

Joe was born July 20, 1922, in Meadowlands, Pennsylvania, to Frank and Anna Cook. After graduating from Trinity High School in 1940, Joe joined the Army Air Corp., graduated from the Casey Jones School of Aeronautics and the Lubbock Army Flying School, and became a B-26 pilot. Joe flew more than 50 missions over North Africa and Southern Italy in World War II. He was highly decorated for his service and received many awards and commendations, most notably the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

When Joe was transferred to Barksdale Air Force Base in 1945, he met and married Dorothy Helen Lovett. After marrying Dorothy he received his Honorable Discharge as a Second Lieutenant. In 1955 Joe and Dorothy and a group of young couples, established St. George's Episcopal Mission in Bossier City, which originally held Sunday services at Kerr Elementary School. The Mission later became St. George's Episcopal Church. As Treasurer and Senior Warden, Joe obtained financing for the construction of the church that is still located on Airline Drive in Bossier City, LA. In the early 1960's Joe attended night school and graduated from Centenary College. He later passed the CPA Exam and opened his own practice which he sold upon his retirement in 1987. Joe, along with Dorothy, owned and operated several businesses from the late 1960's through the mid 1980's, most notably Hustler Marine Co. and Hustler Boat Co. They also owned, and Joe trained, a number of thoroughbred horses which brought them both a lot of enjoyment. Joe and Dorothy met many people during this time, establishing and maintaining wonderful friendships.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 60 years, Dorothy; one brother, Frank Cook; and two sisters, Ann Jones and Mildred Bittner. He is survived by his only daughter, Dianne Cook; two sons and their wives, Robert and Jan Cook, David and Somsri Cook; five grandchildren, Kelli, Michele, Kimberly, Joey and Tommy Cook; one sister, Alice Teichert of Grass Valley, CA, and her family; and special family friend, Maggie Thurman.

Pallbearers will be David Brian, Cary Camp, Charles Churchill, Mark Sims, Malcolm Smith and Mike Weber. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Joe to St. George's Episcopal Church, 1959 Airline Drive, Bossier City, LA 71112.

Joe will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but we take comfort in knowing he is with his beloved Dorothy in heaven.