Russell W. Cook
Born: June 24th, 1923
Died: February 13th, 2012
Obituary
Russell W. Cook, Jr., of Burlington Iowa died February 13, 2012. He was born June 24, 1923, in Bushnell, IL, to Russell W. & Frances McConnell Cook. On December 6, 1946, he married Katherine J Schilb of Burlington IA. She preceded him in death on April 20, 1997, after 50+ years of marriage.
Mr. Cook was a 1941 graduate of Carthage High School, a 1947 graduate of Burlington Junior College, and a December 1949 graduate of Iowa State College with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. In 1942 he enlisted in the U S Navy Aviation program. He served in the Caribbean in German U-Boat warfare and as a flight engineer on a PBY 5A Catalina in Squadron VPB-92 and was honorably discharged in December 1945.
He joined Mason & Hanger – Silas Mason Co, Inc., August 1950 at the Iowa Ordnance Plant in Middletown, IA, Division B. During his tenure with the Mason Companies, he spent over 12 years at the IOP, including 15 months at the Nevada Test Site during the Teapot Test Series in 1954-55. In late 1962 he transferred to Jacksonville, FL, as Chief Engineer of Mason Rust for the design and construction of the Thiokol Space Booster Plant. He later became Resident Manager and transferred to the Lexington KY office of Mason & Hangar as Deputy Manager in 1973. He retired in 1986 as President of Mason & Hanger Engineering Inc. and moved back to Burlington to his wife's family's farm. He served as a consultant to Mason & Hanger – Silas Mason Co, Inc. of Lexington KY & Burlington IA for 10 additional years.
Russell was a devoted husband and father. His family was his pride and joy. Survivors include his daughters: Christine Coates of Middleburg FL; Marsha Pruisner of Golden Valley MN; Judith (Lee) Cook Parks of Burlington IA; Dr. Margaret (Henry) Cook-Newell of Winchester KY; Jeannine (Steven) Cook Delpit of Altamonte Springs FL.; 7 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and his late-in-life love Doris 'Miss Jean' Kesler of Burlington. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, a brother and a sister, one infant grandson, and 2 sons-in-law.
In his earlier years he was an avid bowler and scratch golfer. After retirement, he became a gardener, woodworker, builder and restorer of fine furniture and antiques. He also enjoyed auctions and traveling.
According to his wishes, his body has been cremated. A celebration of life will be held at Prugh's Chapel on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. David Rogula officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Great River Hospice House