Robert Cook

Robert A. "Bob" Cook, 75 of Temple, died May 9, 2019 at a local hospital. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 pm Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home Chapel in Temple, 500 W. Barton Ave.

Bob was born May 29, 1943 in Fornfelt, Missouri to Albert and Ethel Cook. He graduated from Illmo Scott-City High School in May 1961. He served in the United States Army stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Washington D.C and in South Korea. He married his sweetheart, Donna Nell Burleson on August 14, 1966 and they were inseparable for 53 years. He was employed by the Missouri Pacific Railroad in St. Louis, Missouri in 1968 as a Clerk, and moved to Temple, TX in 1973 to work as a Fireman on the A.T. & S.F. Railroad. He was promoted to Engineer in 1974. During his employment, he was Local Chairman for the United Transportation Union 331, and Local Chairman for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Union 206. He also served as Vice Chairman for the BLE General Committee and on several committees for the International Office of the BLE. He was a tireless advocate and representative for his members. He retired in May 2005. Bob was an avid fisherman and golfer. He volunteered at Sammons Golf Course. He loved cooking and barbequing for his friends and just spending time with his sweetheart.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Judy Abernathy of Jackson, Mo.

He is survived by his wife, Donna; a niece, Sheila Baylor of Brag City, Mo.; a nephew, Gerald Abernathy of Jackson, Mo.; and his beloved dogs, Molly and Maggie.

Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.