Charles Cook

Charles F. Cook died on May 6, 2007 at his home after living a fine fulfilling life and courageously surviving Parkinson's disease for a number of years. He demonstrated passionate perseverance through the challenges of the disease that ultimately took his life. Charles was born December 21, 1928 in Jonesboro, Arkansas of Dolores (Falk) and Walter G. Cook and was one of three children. His father died when he was a teen, at which time he was called upon to help manage the home as well as his studies. Charles later studied at Texas Christian University where he met Elizabeth Swank. The two fell in love and married in Houston, Texas, November 24, 1949. Several years hence he earned his doctorate in nuclear physics at Rice University, where he worked any job available in order to continue his quest of becoming a physicist. While attending Rice he and Elizabeth had two daughters, Elizabeth and Mary. Charles' keen intellect and enthusiasm for science led him to teach college at the University of Florida, then to work at Convair in Fort Worth, Texas, and finally to move to Bartlesville, Oklahoma to develop research at Phillips Petroleum Company. At Phillips Charles ultimately managed the research and development department. His scientific adventures and endeavors included a variety of subjects, such as polymers, electrons, radar, and genetics. His research allowed him to work with numerous organizations, including the Colorado School of Mines, The Salk Institute, and The University of Tulsa. He was well respected and known in his field. He cherished most the making of friends around the world in the course of his career. Many friends and colleagues attended Charles' retirement festivities to thank him for his personal and professional support over the years of working together. Charles was foremost a devoted husband to his wife, Elizabeth. Throughout their marriage, they remained lovingly steadfast to each other. He was a committed father to his daughters, and enjoyed the helping others in many venues such as the church, youth groups, and work. He cherished his gardens and found much happiness every spring when the lilies bloomed. Charles was always appreciated for his qualities of perseverance, determination, and integrity, while enjoying the successes and enduring the losses of life. He will be missed and always loved. Charles Cook is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, his two daughters, Elizabeth and Mary, together with her husband, Scott Spencer, and son, William, his sister, Dolores Jean Bowen, and other nieces and nephews. His brother, Walter G. Cook of Ft. Worth, Texas, is predeceased. Services will be held at 2:00 pm in the Colonial Chapel of the Neekamp-Luginbuel Funeral Home, on Thursday the 10th day of May, 2007 at 710 South Dewey Ave. in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Family services at the graveside will follow. Memorial gifts may be made in Memory of Charles F. Cook to Rice University Physics Department, Office of Development MS-81, PO Box 1892, Houston, Texas 77251-1892 or The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, PO Box 85800, San Diego, California 92186-5800. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com.

Service Details

Thursday, May 10th, 2007 2:00pm, Neekamp-Luginbuel Funeral Home

Interment Details

Memorial Park Cemetery Bartlesville