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<p><em>Shannon Curtis “Curt” Cook</em> passed away unexpectedly in Dallas, TX on May 3, 2024, at age 80. He was born in Fort Gibson, OK on December 21, 1943. He was a man of honor and loyalty to his family and friends, with a tremendous work ethic that spanned throughout his robust career. After excelling as a star quarterback at Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, OK, he was recruited to play football at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in 1966. The son of a minister, Curt was a devoted Christian who read the Bible front-to-back many times, often sharing his favorite Bible verses in conversations. He was admired for being different, never influenced by what others thought or said. He was his own man, and those who knew him respected him for his stoicism and discipline.</p>
<p>His sister Esther said: “Curt was almost eight years older than I. When he was a plebe at West Point, he couldn’t leave for the Christmas holiday, so my Mom, Dad and I went from Oklahoma to see him. (I think they changed that restriction the following year!) It was such fun for his baby sister. I learned ‘How is the cow’ and ‘What do Plebes rank’ and watched in awe as he used a saber to open up those heavily starched white trousers. I also had the joy of attending his 1966 graduation and the senior Army-Navy Game, where he was starting quarterback. Curt had a heck of an arm! I like to think I contributed to his great passing ability as I willingly served as the moving target for some backyard games of football ‘catch’ when he was in high school. Ouch. But I can still throw the spiral he taught me!”</p>
<p>Regarding their family life, his wife, Lyn, said: “Curt and I were married on September 21, 1985, after dating for four years. We were delighted to welcome what Curt called ‘daddy’s little princess,’ Megan, on May 18, 1987. He doted on her throughout his entire life, while supporting her through college as she achieved all of her ratings to become a commercial pilot. Two years later, our little prince, Kevin, was born on May 17, 1989. He was an adventurous child, keeping us on our toes with his constant exploration and shenanigans. Curt took pride in supporting both children throughout their school years, in private school and college. His only demand: finish in four years. Curt excelled in business and in life, but his greatest accomplishment was raising his children to be independent, decent human beings. He loved having them visit him so he could feed them a healthy ‘plate lunch.’ Kevin and Megan are keeping their dad’s legacy alive by being productive, healthy people, leaving a positive footprint on earth that would make Curt proud.”</p>
<p>At West Point, Curt excelled as quarterback of the Army Football Team. Commenting on Curt’s passing ability, Rich Amatulli said: “I was a halfback on the football team and was fortunate to have caught a number of Curt Cook passes. In fact, he threw the ball so hard that I caught one on my chin with both hands and it shattered my chin strap guard, requiring me to get three stitches in my chin. Mary and I spent a number of post field afternoon times with Curt and always enjoyed his company. I only have fond memories of Curt.” Classmate Joel Gartenberg remarked: “Curt and I were close both as cadets and afterward. We roomed together as First Classmen, the start of a strong lifelong friendship. We visited together in the Dallas area and frequently attended the Armed Forces Bowl together. May he rest in peace.”</p>
<p>Curt was a vice president of a bank in Tulsa after leaving the Army. After he moved to Dallas, he was VP of another bank. He then worked at Lear Petroleum as the chief financial officer until 1984. He graduated from Southern Methodist University with a master’s in finance around 1980 and got his Certified Public Accountant license around 1992. After the president of Lear Petroleum bought a bank in Denver that held bad debts, he sent Curt there for a year to clean up the debts, which Curt did, rendering the bank profitable. After that he worked for Donruss Sports Cards as CFO until he retired in 2010.</p>
<p>Curt was preceded in death by his loving parents, Charlie and Margie Cook. He is survived by daughter, Megan Cook of West Melbourne, FL; his son, Kevin Cook of Playa Grande, Costa Rica; his sisters, Sharon Hazelton of Dallas, TX and Esther Neely (Kent) of Dallas, OR; his brother, Ed Cook (Billie) of Yukon, OK; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. </p>
<p><em>We have only died in vain if you believe so;<br /></em><em>You have to decide the wisdom of </em><em>our choice,<br /></em><em>By the World which you shall build upon headstones,<br /></em><em>And the everlasting truth, which have your voice.<br /></em><em>Though dead, we are no heroes yet, nor can be,<br /></em><em>til the living by their lives which are the tools.<br /></em><em>Carve us the epitaph of wise men,<br /></em><em>And give us not the epitaph of fools.</em></p>
<p>(David J. Phillips, a member of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division during World War II)</p>
<p>Rest in Peace, Curt.</p>
<p><em>— Loving Classmate</em></p>
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