R. B. Cooke

SERVICES: Graveside services will be 10:00 AM Friday, January 16, 2004, at Hillcrest Cemetery in McLean, under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.BIOGRAPHY: Mr. Cooke was born April 28, 1919 in McLean. He came to Pampa in 1947. He married Izlon "Cookie" Rosson on April 29, 1937 in McLean. He retired from the City of Pampa in 1983 after 37 years and 7 months of service. His last 23 years were spent as director of public works. He was a 50-year member of the Pampa Masonic Lodge #966 AF & AM, Pampa Shrine Club, and Khiva Temple of Amarillo. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy, serving during World War II. SURVIVORS: His wife of 66 years, Izlon "Cookie" Cooke of the home. 1 Daughter: Paulette Hinkle Kirksey and husband Benny of Pampa. 1 Son: (Ret.) Col. Harold L. Cooke and wife Betty of Sugarland. 4 Grandchildren: Mary Ann Richards of Pampa, Joe Reed of Amarillo, Paul Cooke of Baltimore, Maryland, and Chris Cooke and wife Kathy of Sugarland. 9 Great-Grandchildren: Zed Richards and Jett Richards, both of Pampa, Elizabeth Reed of Canyon, Ben Cooke and Jay Cooke, both of Plano, Cooper Cooke, Coleman Cooke, Cade Cooke, and Campbell Cooke, all of Sugarland. He was preceded in death by a son, Lt. Joe G. Cooke in 1964, who was lost at sea during the Vietnam War, by 6 sisters, 1 brother, 3 half-brothers and 2 half-sisters. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a favorite charity. SPECIAL NOTICE: The family will receive friends from 3:30-5:30 PM Thursday, January 15, 2004, at the funeral home.