Summary
Robert Eugene Cook (May 19, 1920 – November 28, 1988) was an American attorney, politician, and judge. A Democrat, he is most notable for his service as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1959 to 1963 and a judge of the Ohio Eleventh District Court of Appeals from 1969 to 1988
Robert Eugene Cook | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio's 11th district | |
| In office January 3, 1959 – January 3, 1963 | |
| Preceded by | David S. Dennison |
| Succeeded by | Oliver P. Bolton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 19, 1920 Kent, Ohio |
| Died | November 28, 1988 (aged 68) Ravenna, Ohio |
| Resting place | Standing Rock Cemetery, Kent, Ohio |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | Kent State University William & Mary Law School |
Biography edit
Cook was born in Kent, Ohio on May 19, 1920, one of the four children of Judge Blake C. Cook and Bessie (Adams) Cook.[1] He graduated from Kent State High School 1938 and attended college at Kent State University.[1]
World War II edit
During World War II, Cook joined the Army Air Forces.[1] After enlisting at Patterson Field, he was appointed a warrant officer and trained in the field of radio communications.[1][2] Cook served 1942 to 1946 and was honorably discharged at the end of the war.[1]
Legal career edit
After his military service, Cook returned to Kent State, from which he graduated in 1947.[1] He then attended the William & Mary Law School, from which he received his degree in 1950.[1] Cook was admitted to the bar and practiced in Kent.[1] From 1952 to 1959 he served as prosecuting attorney of Portage County.[1]
Congress edit
A Democrat, in 1958, Cook was the party's successful nominee for a seat in the United States House of Representatives.[3] He was reelected in 1960, and served from 1959 to 1963.[4] He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1962.[5]
In 1963, Cook became a judge on the Ohio Court of Common Pleas, and he served until 1969.[5] He was judge of the Ohio Eleventh District Court of Appeals from 1969 until his death.[6][7]
Death and burial edit
Cook died at Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ravenna, Ohio on November 28, 1988.[7] He was buried at Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent.[7]
Family edit
Cook was married to Gaye Smith and had a daughter, Amy Louise, in 1952. They divorced and he married Evelyn M. (Birr) Cook (1928-2007) in 1957 and together they raised their two children - Randy and Amy.[1][7]
In 1962, While Cook was serving in the U.S. House, his chief assistant, Jennette Hall married Winston L. Prouty, a U.S. Senator from Vermont. Hall had been widowed since 1959, and Prouty a widower since 1960. Cook was a cousin of Vernon Cook, who served in the Ohio State Legislature.
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Stoyer, Lloyd (December 15, 1957). "Biography in Brief: He Knows the Power of a Doorbell". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, OH. p. 3D – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Robert E. Cook in U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946". Ancestry.com. Lehi, UT: Ancestry.com LLC. July 22, 1942. Retrieved June 8, 2019.
- ^ "Winners in U.S. House Races". The Daily Reporter. Dover, OH. United Press International. November 5, 1958. p. 11 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "GOP Picks Up 2 Seats from Ohio In Congress". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Cincinnati, OH. Associated Press. November 10, 1960. p. 12 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "Rep. Cook to be Judge". The News-Herald. Willoughby, OH. November 12, 1962. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "3 Judges take Oaths Feb. 6". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, OH. January 16, 1969. p. D5 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c d "Robert Cook, Was Senior Judge on Ohio 11th District Appeals Court". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, OH. November 29, 1988. p. C4 – via Newspapers.com.
External links edit
- United States Congress. "Robert E. Cook (id: C000725)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
- Robert E. Cook at Find a Grave