Ronald Lee Cook passed away unexpectedly from cancer, on May 29, 2020 at the age of 83, in Tucson, Arizona.

Known as "Ronnie" to his family in his home town, and "Ron" to his friends in AZ. He was born in Creston, Iowa to Wayne and Grace (Forquer) Cook on January 10, 1937; the youngest of five children.

At the age of seventeen (1955), Ron joined the United States Marine Corp., and served two tours of duty in Vietnam during the war. Initially a Mess Hall Cook, then an Aircraft Mechanic and eventually rising in rank to Gunnery Sergeant while assigned as a Helicopter Crew Chief. After twenty years of proud service to his country, Ron retired from the USMC and joined the Yuma County Humane Society. He quickly rose in rank ( Lieutenant ), and once again, retired after nearly 20 years of service to spend time with his wife.

Ron lived in Arizona in his later years, enjoyed making his meals from scratch ( especially deserts, i.e. fudge, Pecan Pies, etc. ), watching old westerns on TV, and playing the card game " Oh Hell " with his daughter and son-in-law on the weekends.

Ron is survived by:

• His children, Robert E. Cook & wife Linda, Karon Jo (Cook) Morell & husband Dan, and Paul A. Cook & wife Penny
• His 6 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren
• His siblings, Betty Lou (Cook) Shea and Thomas Cook
• His many nieces, nephews and friends

Ron was a married/widowed man and was preceded in death by:

• His parents, Wayne and Grace (Forquer) Cook
• His wife, Elsie Doris Cook (1927-2004)
• His grandson, John W. Dixon, Jr. ( Karon's son )
• His sister, Anita (Cook) Young
• His brother, Edwin Cook
• His beloved brother-in-law & life mentor, Bernard Shea

Ron was a strong willed, independent man, a very loving husband and terrible card player ( although good-natured at losing ). He will be dearly missed by all that knew him…

Per Ron's final wishes, he is to be cremated and his ashes are to be buried in the Sunset Vista, military cemetery in Yuma, Arizona, next to his wife of 44 years, Elsie Doris Cook. His nephew, Gary Shea is to be the presiding pastor.

Ron's family wishes to extend their sincerest gratitude to the owners and caretakers at the Cascades of Tucson, assisted living apartments and to the Casa De La Luz Hospice staff for the care and kindnesses they provided to Ron ("the gentle giant" ) during his final years.