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Weslaco- Arthur Bartlett Cook, 94, passed away on Thursday, December 5th, 2019 at his home, John Knox Village. Arthur was born on April 1, 1925, to Arthur Gardner Cook and Melva Bartlett in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in Los Angeles where he excelled in sports. Arthur was an elite football star and was able to continue his passion, playing college football for the University of Southern California. Arthur met his soulmate, Johnnie Smith when they were both in high school. Arthur joined the Marines right out of high school, before college. Due to an injury, he was transferred to the Navy where he began his career in engineering. After being honorably discharged, Arthur married Johnnie at Huntington Park on June 22, 1946. Arthur was very talented in the field of engineering and enjoyed a successful career working as a civil engineer, working for the Los Angeles County Road Department. His career afforded him and Johnnie the luxury of living most of their married life along the coast. They spent most of their lives in California and Arthur loved being on the water. He was a great fisherman, but he also enjoyed sailing, scuba diving and spending time with friends just enjoying the ocean’s breeze. Arthur was a great captain and at one time owned five boats, all had their own special use. Arthur retired at 51 and he and Johnnie were able to travel the world. They visited many countries, including Tahiti and many areas of Mexico. They traveled through the US and loved visiting Hawaii. Arthur and Johnnie even tried their luck in ranching for a few years. They bought a home in Arkansas and raised horses and cows, but they found their way back to the beach that they both loved. Arthur and Johnnie moved to Long Island Village in Port Isabel and then purchased a cottage at John Knox Village. Arthur is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Melva Cook and sister, Betty Goldsperry (Donald). He is survived by his loving wife of seventy-three years, Johnnie.

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Arthur Cook

April 21, 1925 - December 5, 2019