Robert Lee Cook

Robert Lee Cook passed away peacefully at home in the early hours of the morning on June 28th, 2024 at the age of 81.

 Robert was born in Wyoming, West Virginia on July 27, 1942 to Elmer “Boyd” Cook and Ruby “Eloise” Cook. After his father passed away due to complications from a coal mining accident, he was raised, along with his two siblings Bill and Betty, in Bartley West Virginia by his stepfather John “Quincy” Layman, one of the best men he ever knew. While attending school at Bartley Elementary and Junior High, he met his future wife Violet Marie Rogers.

 From a young age, Robert was fascinated watching planes flying over his hometown, and knew that he wanted to be a pilot. After graduating from Big Creek Highschool in War, West Virginia he went on to join the Army, where he trained to become a helicopter pilot. During this time, he married his childhood sweetheart Violet, and together they had their only son, Robert Lee Cook II.

 Robert served three tours in Vietnam, where he flew helicopters on numerous missions for a total of 1,800 combat flight hours. During his extensive efforts serving his country over his 20-year military career, he achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4, and earned several achievements including the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Air Medal with Valor, among others. After having qualified on several different aircraft types, completing a total of 14,900 flying hours, including over 20 years as a pilot for Petroleum Helicopters International, he retired in Bryan, Texas.

 Robert spent the rest of his years enjoying his model airplanes, spending time with his grandchildren, and going to Las Vegas with his wife. He remained married to Violet for 53 years until she passed away in 2018.

 He is survived by his son Robert L. Cook II; his two grandchildren, Ryan Quincy Cook and Robert L. Cook III; and his two great grandchildren, Quincy Michael Cook, and Quinlin Gabriel-Owen Cook.