Robert O. Cook, 83, of Proctorville, Ohio, husband of Betty Cook, passed away Monday, September 3, 2018. He was born October 4, 1934 in Wheeling, WV, son to the late Charles M. Cook and Ada Barr Caruthers Cook. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Charles C. Cook. In addition to his wife Betty, he is survived by two daughters, Lori Cook (Cindy Fenstermaker) of Columbus, Ohio, and Anita (Jim) Vastine of Wheelersburg, Ohio; and a son Philip Cook (Shirlene Justus) of Columbus, Ohio. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Adam Vastine and Mia Vastine, whom he dearly loved. He retired in 2001 after 35 years as Guidance Counselor at Fairland High School. While at Fairland, he founded both the high school student council and the middle school football team. He also held stints as the high school girls’ track coach and assistant girls’ basketball coach. He dedicated 45 years of his life as a track and cross-country official at the local, regional and state levels within Ohio and West Virginia. Through his long and selfless service as guidance counselor, coach and track official, he was able to encourage each student athlete not to win but to perform their best. His influence spanned multiple generations of student athletes across southern Ohio. The family extends a special thanks to his close friends Mike Whitley and Dave Lockhart, and the numerous track officials throughout the years. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association. Funeral service will be conducted 10 a.m. Thursday, September 6, 2018 at Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, Proctorville, Ohio by Pastor Mike Smith. Burial will follow in Rome Cemetery, Proctorville, Ohio. Visitation will be held 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at Fairland High School Gymnasium, 812 County Road 411, Proctorville, Ohio 45669. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ehallfuneralhome.com.
