George M. Cook - 671st Obituary

George Moss Cook departed this life to be with the Lord on March 11, 2009. Born on December 15, 1918 in
Frankston, Texas, to Della and Madison Cook, he lived his early life in East Texas. George served in the 416th
Bomb Group of the 9th Air Force as an aerial gunner and flew 62 combat missions over France and Germany
during World War II. He achieved the rank of staff sergeant and received the Purple Heart three days before D-Day. Upon
returning from the war in 1945, he worked in the insurance business in Washington, D.C. as a claims adjuster and married Elizabeth Garrison
in 1946. Together they had two children, Carolyn and Philip. The family lived in Falls Church, Virginia until moving in 1961 to San Antonio,
Texas, where George went to work for USAA. George was an excellent father and model to his children, serving in various coaching and
sponsoring capacities through their formative years. He lost his beloved wife Elizabeth to cancer in 1971. However, he was fortunate to
meet Toppy Glodt in the next few years, and they married in 1981. George and Toppy had many wonderful years together until her death
in 2001. George is remembered by his family as a positive individual who was infallibly cheerful and good-natured. He loved music, played
the piano by ear, and was a much-sought-after dance partner. An avid walker and gym enthusiast even into his 80's, he was able to walk
circles around those who were much younger. He enjoyed doing good things for others and was generous in his support of worthwhile
causes. He wanted to be remembered as a good Christian and was active in his church, serving over the years as usher, Sunday school
superintendent, and Emmaus community member. A devoted patriot, he was active in the San Antonio chapter of the Order of the Purple
Heart, serving as chaplain for several years. He loved to travel, and he and wife Toppy organized numerous Educational Opportunities travel
groups to Europe, Israel, Egypt, and destinations in the US. George is survived by his son, Philip Garrison Cook and wife Margaret of San
Antonio, his daughter, Carolyn Cook Wietzel and husband Armond of Austin, and two grandchildren, Emily Wietzel of San Diego, California
and Grant Wietzel of Phoenix, Arizona, as well as relatives in East Texas and other parts of the state. He will be deeply missed by his
family and friends.

San Antonio Express - News