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BORN
1955
DIED
2014
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Robert COOKE Obituary
Robert William Cooke, 59, of Georgetown, Texas, passed away on November 5, 2014, in Austin, Texas. The baby of the Cooke siblings, he was born January 5, 1955, in Austin, Texas, to David Glenn Cooke, Jr. and Louise Cooke. A graduate of Lanier High School and St. Edwards University, he married Janet Abbott on August 13, 1977. They became the proud parents of two daughters, Rachel Louise and JoAnn Marie. Robert was a software engineer for many years, over 25 of them at IBM.
After his 19-year-old daughter Rachel went missing on January 10, 2002, while jogging near her Georgetown home, Robert and Janet became very active in missing persons' causes. They held women's self-defense classes all over Central Texas, and Robert helped search for many missing people. On the day Rachel disappeared, Robert made a promise to her that he would never stop looking for her, and he kept that promise. He gave presentations at missing persons conferences all over the country, often giving insight into the impact of a missing loved one on the victim's family.
Robert is survived by daughter JoAnn (fiancé Clint Harris) and missing daughter Rachel, parents Glenn and Louise Cooke, sisters Elaine Hettenhausen and Diane Cooke (David Broll), brother David Cooke (Cay), ex-wife Janet, aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 7, 2014, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden Capital Parks, 14501 N. IH 35, Pflugerville, Texas, 78660. Services will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 4010 Williams Dr., Georgetown, Texas, 78626. Robert asked that those who attend wear blue or red because, as he stated, those are "bright colors".
In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Robert with a donation to a missing persons organization, such as these three very dear to his heart: The CUE Center for Missing Persons, PO Box 12714, Wilmington, NC, 28405, Project Jason, PO Box 59054, Renton, WA, or texasequusearch.org.
Please visit Robert's memorial at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert COOKE
Sponsored by Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery.
Just a long lost Friend
June 25, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Bob !! My heart breaks knowing his daughter went missing !! I knew Bob when he was in the Air Force in Tucson, Az
Shirley Loran
July 30, 2015
I was so sad to hear of Mr. Cooke's passing. I still have my "Help Find Rachel Cooke" t-shirt and never forgot about her. I pray that one day her mom and sister will have answers. Rest in Peace Mr. Cooke.
No Body Important
June 23, 2015
So sad. My prayers for this family. I hope they find the truth.
Tammy Navarro
December 11, 2014
I have followed Rachel's story for many years, and was so impressed with Mr. Cooke's dedication to solving the mystery of her disappearance. I hope now that The Lord Jesus has given him the answers he sought for so long. God rest his soul, and God bless his family.
Woody Lemcke
December 7, 2014
My most heartfelt condolences to the Cooke family. I had the honor of working with Robert during the mid '80's at IBM and meeting his young family, a fantastic bunch. God bless all of you!
November 16, 2014
Sorry about Robert I have watche Rachel story on "disappeared" many times and I tried to read what I could find on the subject I'm sorry he had to go thru all this I feel bad for this guy and is whole family hopefully he is in heaven now and is comforted I sure hope they find out what happen to his daughter so the rest of the family can have some rest
Jim
Maxine Davis
November 10, 2014
Janet and family, please accept our sympathies in the loss of Robert. I am Oscar's sister in law and Pat's sister. I just wanted to let you know we are praying for you and your family and Rachel.
Barbara Nelson
November 9, 2014
Mr. Cooke, you will remain in my heart and thoughts forever. I feel honored and privileged to have been influenced by such a wonderful, loving man. We are all richer for being part of his life. He was a tremendous honorable man of integrity, tenacity, and inspiration. As manager of the national conference for responding to missing persons in Wisconsin, (2006-2011) he always brought a level of sophistication to the training conference for law enforcement and families of the missing. I remember so vividly, the night before the conference in March 2008, his flight to Appleton from Chicago was cancelled because of bad weather. He chose to sleep in the airport to make sure he made the first flight to Appleton. He was the keynote speaker, and I remember meeting him at the front door of the hotel with only 5 minutes to spare. We hugged, straightened his tie, combed his hair, and guided him to the podium. He always captured the audience with his passion and was admired by so many in the field for achieving his personal goals to build human capacity through training and education. Well done my friend! He set the standard for "a father's love" for his girls. I will miss him!
National Missing Persons Conference
Monica Caison
November 9, 2014
To many memories to count over the years we have of you Robert, the one that will always be my favorite is the song "Dreams" that me, you and Lisa shared as if it is was written for us; it was our song that we claimed. We will never forget you, or give up on the search for Rachel in your honor and in honor your loved ones. I pray you have found peace now, rest easy my buddy, you will be missed deeply and I love you.
Support for the cause
November 9, 2014
DEDE and DALE KEENE
November 8, 2014
I MET ROBERT IN WILMINGTON,NC during National Missing Persons conference 2005 he was a very nice but very sad man.I prayed he would find Rachel,GOD be with his family ..I send Mine & husbands heartfelt sympathy in JESUS holy name.
Kris Kretzschmar-Cue'
November 8, 2014
My sincerest condolences to the Cooke family. I did not know Robert personally, but his sister Elaine used to babysit my brother and I back in the day when we all lived in the Crestview area. May the Good Lord grant you all peace in memories of Robert and in knowing he is finally at peace. Please know our family prays for your family too, in the hopes that one day you'll find Rachel.
Ronny Risinger
November 8, 2014
I taught school with Mr. Cooke's sister, and remember well the day his daughter, Rachel, went missing. I pray that you now are in a place to know what happened and, perhaps, experience true joy and happiness in Heaven with loved ones who've gone before. Many prayers for the Cooke family that God will hold you and support you in this time of mourning.
Dale Duncan
November 8, 2014
Robert- Rest Peacefully Sir. It was a pleasure knowing you. And know this, We WON'T GIVE UP until we find your baby. God Bless your Family during this time.
Sgt. Dale Duncan
Georgetown Police Svcs
Fawn Duncan
November 8, 2014
Mr. Robert Cook- Jesus wanted another of his Angels back. You will be missed. God Bless you, and your Family. We will
find Rachel.
April Bliss
November 7, 2014
My deepest condolences to the Cooke Family. I too, feel blessed to have been a colleague of Robert's at IBM. Rest in peace!
Phyllis Krantzman
November 7, 2014
Although I did not know Mr. Cooke, I am sorry and sad for his untimely passing. I have followed Rachel's story and I hope that someday her friends and family will discover what happened to her.
Tina Drain
November 7, 2014
I was blessed to know Robert as a colleague and then as a friend as we participated in missing persons training for law enforcement all over the country. He never wavered in his devotion in his mission to educate and inform as many people as he could reach about the importance of good missing person investigations. He never gave up his search for Rachel. Robert was one of the kindest, gentlest and certainly bravest people I have ever known. I will miss him, and God bless him. Tina Drain
Kim Steffenson
November 7, 2014
God bless you and your family. You really were kindhearted person and you were very inspirational to everyone, who had the opportunity to know you.
Sharon grooms
November 6, 2014
Sincere sympathies to the Cooke family. Rest in peace Robert, you will always be remembered as a very kind hearted man who left this world a little too early.
Jennifer Matthews
November 6, 2014
To all the Cooke family I will keep you all and uplift you in prayers. Robert was so proud of everyone in his family and always had such a glow about him when he talked about his family. He gave so much to all and touched so many lives. Robert was always a positive inspiration to me, reminding me to always reach for the next goal and he was such a pleasure to work with for several years.
May you rest in peace Robert.
shirley hargrave
November 6, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Courtney Jackson
November 6, 2014
Rest in peace Robert. I pray that the answers you searched so long for have at last been answered.
Shirley Thorne
November 6, 2014
Robert was a great teacher and a great friend. I will miss him as I am sure his entire family will. Robert go in peace my friend.
Jim Viola
November 6, 2014
Condolences to all of the Cooke family. I was very saddened to hear of Robert's passing. Robert was a friend and a hero to the missing person community. He was very kind and was very supportive to our family when we were searching for my missing wife, Patricia Viola.
Courtney Jackson
November 6, 2014
Rest in peace Robert, I pray you finally have all the answers you searched so long for.
Lisa Valentino
November 6, 2014
Robert was and remains an inspiration to so many in the world of the missing, compassionate, caring, a teacher and filled with great love. I was blessed to know him and call him friend. I will miss you. Prayers for those you have left behind, Rest in peace my friend, job well done!
Teresa Halliday
November 6, 2014
I did not know you well, but I will never forget all that you did for others while searching for your own missing daughter. You were an inspiration here on earth and your legacy will live on! Sending prayers and (((hugs))) for all who love you!!!
Jason Eaton
November 6, 2014
I heard about Rachel's case many years ago and Robert's search for her. May the love and power of Jesus Christ comfort Robert's family in their time of sorrow. I pray for answers about Rachel. God bless you all.
Dolly Sanders
November 6, 2014
Condolences to the entire Cooke family. May he RIP, God Bless you all...
November 6, 2014
Our hearts are saddened to hear about Robert Cook. He has worked tirelessly on finding his daughter Rachel Cook for many years. May he be rewarded by Our Heavenly Father. Hebrews 6:10.
George Moxley
November 6, 2014
I am sorry to hear of Robert's passing. I feel that he has been reunited with Rachel. My families thoughts and prayers are with the Cooke family during this time of sorrow.
Rodney Brown
November 6, 2014
I remember Robert's quiet heroism in these years since Rachel was taken. He was an inspiration along with all of his family and friends. I felt close to the family because his sister, Diane, is a dear friend and teaching colleague of mine. He was an inspiration for so many and my sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones.
Madonna Layne
November 6, 2014
The CUE conferences will never be the same without you Robert. I pray you are finally at peace.
JoAnn, I have never had the pleasure of meeting you in person but your father loved you very much. He was extremely proud of your accomplishments and he spoke highly of you every time I saw him. I am praying for you and all of your family.
The search for Rachel. @JRRiggs
JR
November 5, 2014
Tricia Griffith
November 5, 2014
You were an inspiration Robert Cook. You lived every parent's nightmare and yet you will still able to help others. The world needs more men like Robert Cook.
He will be greatly missed.
Nancy Ragland
November 5, 2014
I met you under such tragic circumstances, yet I was so touched by how grateful you were, how concerned about others' needs, and how you gave back to the community. Your dedication to Rachel is nothing short of inspirational. May you find peace and closure at last.
JoAnne
November 5, 2014
May your souls be flooded with peace, as your heart aches. My heart is with you. God does bless you all and Robert, will forever, be with you!
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