Robert "Bob" Cook, 85
Robert "Bob" Cook, 85, of Kenton, Ohio, died on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2004, after a lengthy illness. He was born, April 9, 1919, in Kenton, the son of Nathaniel Dee Cook and Lula Mattie (Oder) Cook, both of whom are deceased.
He attended Champion School and was a 1937 graduate of Kenton High School.
During World War II, he was assigned to General Headquarters Company, Army Forces of the Pacific which was charged with the personal security and assistance for General Douglas MacArthur. In this capacity, he often served as one of General MacArthur's personal bodyguards. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star for action in the Battle for Luzon, the Philippines.
He married Norma Jeanne Holmes on May 9, 1948, who pre-deceased him in 1999. He was also pre-deceased by his only sibling, William Kent Cook in 1979.
He was a lifelong dairy and crop farmer; and was the fifth generation to live on and operate the same farm south of Kenton. He had also served on the zoning board for Buck Township.
Bob was active in many community and service organizations. He was a member of Wolf Creek and Silver Creek United Methodist Churches, 60-year member of Wolf Creek and Lawrence Valley Granges, a 65-year member of the Latham Chapter of the Masonic Lodge and a 32nd Degree Mason. He was also active in the Hardin County Historical Society, Hardin County Genealogical Association, Hardin County Farm Bureau and had been a 4-H advisor.
In his younger years, he was very active in the Hardin Central School PTA, serving as its president. He was also one of a group of community members who helped to form the Kenton "Teen Canteen" in the early 1960s.
He is survived by children, Jim Cook and Teresa of St. Paris, Ohio; Judy Skidmore and Charles of Rushylvania, Ohio; and Joyce Schreiner and Jim of Kalispell; grandchildren, Wendee Giovanelli and Jeff of Canton, Mich.; Chris Cook and Annie of Springfield, Ohio; Jocelyn Hyder and Mike of Kenton, Ohio; Jill Ward of Belle Center, Ohio; Jessica Skidmore of Rushylvania, Ohio; Heidi Wilson of Belle Center, Ohio; and Cody Schreiner, James Schreiner II and Robert Schreiner, all of Kalispell; stepgrandchildren, Chasity Sizemore of Clearwater, Fla., Tiffany Kellner and Eric of Centerville, Ohio; Nichole Glidden and Brian of Springboro, Ohio; and Richard Sizemore II, Sara Galluzzo and Kelsie Galluzzo, all of St. Paris, Ohio; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Brandenberg-Cook, Kari Lynn Giovanelli, and Sophia Rose Giovanelli; and stepgreat-grandchildren, Brianna Nichole Glidden, Jacob Glidden and Evan Kellner.
He was preceded in death by one brother, William Cook.
Burial will be in Wolf Creek Cemetery in Kenton. Graveside military services will be conducted by AmVets Post 1994, honor guard Kenton. Masonic Services will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at Schindewolf-Stevens-Stout Funeral Home in Kenton, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Silver Creek Church, Hardin County Hospice, or the donor's choice.