Linwood Paul Cook, III

Linwood Paul Cook, III

 Linwood Paul Cook, III, P.E. (CPT, USA RET.) passed away at his home on 11 May, 2017 in Texas City, Texas at the age of 69.

Paul is survived by his mother, Norma Rogers Cook; his brother, James Lloyd Cook; his sister, Norma Elizabeth Cook; his three children, Carolyn, Sarah, and Linwood (SSG, USA); 5 grandchildren, and his dog Precious. He is preceded in death by his father, Linwood P. Cook Jr. (MAJ, USAF RET.) and his wife, Sandra Hernandez Cook.

Paul Cook was born on 14 July, 1947 in Spokane, WA, to Linwood Paul Cook Jr. and Norma Rogers Cook.

Paul enlisted in the United States Army as an Infantryman in 1967 where he attained the rank of Sergeant prior to his departure from service in pursuit of a higher education. Paul attended Michigan State University where he received his first degree, a Bachelor’s of Science in Geography in 1973. In the same year, Paul Cook returned to Army service as a commissioned officer in which he served as a Construction Engineer. In 1974, Paul married Patricia Dickson, the mother of his three children. Paul then returned to Michigan State University in pursuit of a second Bachelor’s of Science degree for Civil Engineering which he received in 1979. CPT Cook’s duty assignments over the course of his career include Korea, Fort Belvoir, and Fort Ord. Paul Cook retired from the reserves after 20 years of uniformed service as a Captain in 1989.

CPT Cook’s decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), and the Parachutist Badge.

Paul’s civilian employment includes working for Mobil Oil from 1979 to 1994 as a Field Engineer in offices located in Manassas, Virginia, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, St. Louis, Missouri, Vernon California and Beaumont, Texas. In 1995, Paul established his own engineering firm, Best Engineering, LLC., where he strived to develop a reputation for dependable and honest service. In 2000, Paul married his late wife, Sandra Allen Hernandez, of Nederland, Texas. The couple then moved to Texas City, Texas in 2003 where Paul later joined the Texas Department of Insurance Windstorm Division as an Engineer in the inspections division where he remained until his passing.

Linwood P. Cook, III was one of the most self-sacrificing and giving men that had a tender heart for broken wings. He cared deeply for the less fortunate and impacted the lives of everyone around him. Although we all grieve and wish for one more minute with him, Paul left a remarkable legacy of unconditional love and generosity in which he will be forever remembered. We pray that all who knew him will look back with grateful hearts and reflect the memory of LPCIII with respect, honor, and appreciation.

A memorial is scheduled for 10:00 A.M., Saturday the 20th of May with a reception to follow at, Galveston Island Palms, 5802 Avenue S, Galveston. At the request of the next-of-kin, contact (409) 526-7828 to confirm a reservation for attending the celebration for Paul’s life.

In lieu of flower arrangements, it is asked that donations be provided in memory of his name, CPT Linwood P. Cook, III (USA, RET.) to the Army Emergency Relief Program at https://www.aerhq.org/Donate/Donate-Now. The program provides aid to soldiers and their dependents in times of crisis.

 Service Information