Eldon H. Cook

Eldon Cook left this world to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, August 20th, 2012. Eldon was born August 11, 1922, in Stamford, Texas, in the home of his parents, James Ollie and Willy Katherine (Hornsby) Cook.

Eldon married Armittie Benton April 20, 1942. They had three daughters: Carolyn, Sharon, and Leisa. Eldon and Armittie were married 57 years when Armittie passed away in 1997. Early on in their married life, Uncle Sam called upon Eldon to serve in the US Army during World War II serving in combat in the European Theater. Eldon received a bronze star for his services and injuries during the War.

After the War, Eldon attended Texas Tech University receiving a BS in Agriculture with a major in Animal Husbandry and graduated in 1952. Following college, Eldon moved his young family to Big Spring, Texas, to work at Piggly Wiggly Supermarket as meat-market manager. Later, he worked as market manager for Webb Air Force base for over twenty years. At the closing of Webb AFB, he transferred to Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio to supervise the world-wide commissaries. From San Antonio, he transferred to Germany and Italy and worked as an inspector of the European commissaries.

Eldon loved the Lord and dedicated himself to His service. He was interim pastor for many of the small Baptist churches in and around Big Spring, TX. He traveled a 90 mile radius from Big Spring to serve these congregations. He had the joy to baptize his girls, all of his grandchildren, and numerous others. He officiated at the marriages of all his children and some of his grandchildren. His favorite passage was Psalms 139, and his favorite poem was “God Makes No Mistakes.”

In May 1999, Eldon married Sydney Rosene. They lived in Sun City, Arizona, for 13 years until her death in November 2011. They were active in visiting with grandkids, dancing, traveling, and following sports.

Eldon moved to San Angelo in November 2011, and resided at Myrtlewood Estates. He joined Glen Meadows Baptist Church shortly after moving to San Angelo. He quickly made a host of friends. His close neighbors would gather in the hall nightly to chat and reminisce. The staff and residents loved his sweet spirit and sense of humor. Everyone that came in contact with Eldon quickly loved him. You could often catch Eldon singing hymns. He had many favorites, but top of the list was “He Touched Me.” God has now touched Eldon and made him whole.

Eldon is survived by three daughters: Carolyn LaPota and husband Bruce of Coffeyville, KS; Sharon Langley and husband Leon of San Angelo, TX; Leisa Ross and husband Alan of Canon City, CO; one sister, Ollie Hannah, of Pecos, Texas; one brother, Bill Cook and Bonnie, of Kingsman, Arizona; his three daughters; step-son Kyle Rosene and wife Tommie of Hurst; three grandchildren: Aaron Paul Hess and wife Lataine, Crystal Wade and husband James Aaron, and Paul Eldon LaPota and wife Holly; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two wives, seven siblings, and a grandson, Robert LaPota.

The family wishes to thank the very devoted and caring Hospice staff at Baptist Memorial and staff at Myrtlewood Estates. Services will be held at Johnson’s Funeral home with military honors at 1:00 PM Thursday, August 23rd, 2012, and burial to take place at Trinity Memorial Park in Big Spring. Officiating the memorial service will be Scott Cotton and Randy Fair from Glen Meadows Baptist Church.

Pallbearers will be Leon Langley, Alan Ross, Bruce LaPota, Kyle Rosene, Aaron Hess, Aaron Wade and Paul LaPota.

Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at johnsons-funeralhome.com