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Zale Edward Cook
JUNE 20, 1942 – NOVEMBER 15, 2022
IN THE CARE OF
Colonel Zale Edward “Ed” Cook, U.S. Army (Retired), a dedicated father and friend to many, passed peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, the 15th of November 2022, at the age of 80.
Ed, Eddie or Eduardo as he was affectionately called by friends and family was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on the 20th of June 1942 to Thomas Pinkney Cook and Lela Velven James. He was the youngest of four children, with older sisters Doris “Rusty” and Billie “Candy” and brother Thomas “Tommy” Jr. He grew up in Corpus Christi, graduating from W.B. Ray High School in 1960.
Ed had an illustrious 30+ year military career and was dedicated to the U.S. Army. Beginning with being drafted in 1966, he was commissioned through Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill and graduated from the U.S. Army Artillery and Missel School in 1967. He was stationed in Germany before bravely serving in the Vietnam War in 1969, surviving multiple helicopter crashes. Ed was in the first group of the 9th Infantry Division to leave Vietnam and go to Hawaii in July, where he was assigned at USARPAC headquarters at Fort Schaffer. He then decided to leave active duty. However, he quickly missed the camaraderie, adventure and constant change of the military. As he had remained a member of the U.S. Army Reserve, he sought and achieved active service as a Reservist, which he maintained for several decades. He served in a wide variety of staff positions throughout the U.S., including a tour in the Pentagon. Ed proved to be an unusually talented staff officer, sensitive to the needs of the Army but tempered by the reality of local conditions and the nuances of individual personalities while never compromising his principles. Ed was deeply proud of his service and his achievements in uniform. Known for his incredible work ethic, wry sense of humor and dedication to the mission, Ed was a highly sought-after colleague and team member and rose to the rank of Colonel. He was known for helping others progress in their military careers and continued this passion even upon retirement, helping other veterans navigate the V.A. Notable recognitions include: The Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, among many others.
The best part of his military service was that it led him to meet his wife, Sylvia Babette “Babs” Cook, while stationed in Hawaii in 1969 following Vietnam. Babs, a young beautiful flight attendant for Trans World Airlines, was introduced to Ed by her cousin while visiting Honolulu. The two fell in love quickly, becoming engaged after nine days and married six months later. Hawaii continued to be the couple’s “happy place” during their 50-year marriage, returning many times with family to the beaches of Waikiki.
Ed had many passions and hobbies. He was a man who loved the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Longhorns, through championships and the less-than-stellar seasons. Who loved a nap with his favorite dog. Who could captivate a crowd with a joke (often not PG-rated) and recall movie lines from memory. Who enjoyed hunting in South Texas and fishing off the Texas coastline with friends and family. Who loved a cold glass of prosecco and Babs’ baking. Who loved ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man” (and lived the lifestyle). Who spent time scuba diving in Hawaii (despite lack of certifications) and skiing in Colorado. Who loved his ’57 Chevrolet two-door hardtop. Who made it a personal mission to agitate his wife who he deeply adored. Who loved to travel, with Germany and Acapulco at the top of his list. Who lived for watching movies, from sci-fi to history to pop culture. Who believed in continuous learning, earning multiple degrees throughout his life.
During a break in his active duty military service, he was a successful entrepreneur owning and operating movie theaters and restaurants. Between his military and civilian life, Ed moved his family approximately 18 times over the years, making lifelong friendships across the country. Ed and Babs found joy in the active social life of military officers and took great pleasure in entertaining their many friends and colleagues throughout Ed’s military career. A dedicated “Red Leg,” as members of the Field Artillery are known, Ed and Babs both greatly enjoyed Field Artillery events, especially formal celebrations.
Ed was throughout, a dyed-in-the-wool Texan and when retirement loomed there was no doubt that home would be Texas, where the Cooks settled, first on Padre Island and later in San Antonio. Ed’s strength was on display overcoming many health challenges later in his life. Despite these physical setbacks, everyone still knew Ed for his charm, sharp wit for life and love for a good time. This was made possible through the loving care of his wife.
Ed is survived by his loving children: son, Grant Cook and his wife, Victoria Cook; daughter, Sheri Jackson and her husband, Chris Jackson; and daughter, Teri White and her husband, Bill White. He was blessed to be granddad to many, including Timmy, Devary, Christopher, Elizabeth, Stephanie, Margot and Valerie, as well as great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Sylvia “Babs” Cook.
A memorial service is to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Monday, the twenty first of November 2022, at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home and Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Road in Houston. We ask those who wish they could be present to view the livestreaming available at INSERT.
He will be laid to final rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family graciously appreciates contributions to one of the following charities: Disabled American Veterans (www.dav.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestparkwestheimer.com for the Cook family.
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