Robert L. "Bob" Cook, 90, of Martins Ferry, OH died Thursday, Apr. 8, 2010 at Belmont Manor Nursing Home, St. Clairsville, OH. He was born May 29, 1919 in Martins Ferry a son of the late Louis and Nell (Phillips) Cook. He entered the insurance business with Aetna in 1940 as an underwriter. On Dec. 1, 1946 he bought his own agency, Cook Insurance and Financial Services. In 1959 he initiated the first drive-thru for paying premiums in the state of Ohio. His passion was teaching and for thirty-one years he was the only personal lines instructor for Ohio. He wrote and compiled two textbooks and lectured extensively at colleges, universities, and conventions throughout the United States and Canada. He was a founding member of AAIMCO, American Association of Insurance Management Consultants. From 1970 to 1971 he was President of the Independent Insurance Agents of Ohio where he received their most prestigious awards including the Independence Bell Award in 1989. He was also one of the founders of the Independent Insurance Agents of Belmont County. Bob was a graduate of Martins Ferry High School Class of 1937. He was director of the fifty-piece American Legion Band and the Osiris Shrine Temple Band. He played trombone in the Martins Ferry High School Alumni Band until the age of eighty. He was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church, Martins Ferry where he served as Elder, Trustee, and choir member. Bob was past president of the Martins Ferry School Board, Martins Ferry Recreation Board, Ohio Valley Transit Authority, and Kiwanis Club. He served many years on both the Martins Ferry and Belmont County Salvation Army Boards. He was a member of American Legion Post #38 and Ohio City Lodge #486 F. & A. M. both of Martins Ferry. Bob was also a 33rd Degree Mason and a veteran of the U.S. Army, WW II. Bob loved God, his family, roller coasters, music, trains and candy. Surviving are his wife Bonnie (Davison) Cook , two sons Robert L. (Dianne) Cook, Jr. of Delaware, OH, and Donald L. (Lori) Cook of St. Clairsville, OH, a daughter Sherelyn (Michael) Savage of Ocala, FL., ten grandchildren Leta R. (Dave) Slavik, Kimberly (Jamie) Loner, Jacqueline J. Cook, Troy A. (Monic) Cook, Ryan H. (Jamie) Cook, Lori L. Cook (Erik) Wojtowicz, Kent E. Cook, Logan M. Cook, Kelly Savage (Tim) Clemons, and Kristen Savage (Scott) Brinton, and sixteen great grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the special staff of Belmont Manor for their wonderful care and support. Friends will be received Saturday 6-8pm and Sunday 12-3 & 6-8pm at the Heslop Funeral Home, Walnut at Fifth, Martins Ferry, OH where services will be held Monday, Apr. 12, 2010 at 11:00am with Rev. David Stammerjohn and Rev. Dr. Bill N. Lawrence officiating. Burial follows in Riverview Cemetery, Martins Ferry, OH. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, the Belmont Co. Salvation Army or the Alzheimer's Association. Masonic Ritualistic services will be held Sunday at 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Military honors will be held at the funeral home prior to services by the Belmont Co. Council of the American Legion. Condolences to the family may be made by signing the guest book at the top of this page.

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