David Woodward Cook, Jr.
David Woodward Cook, Jr., of Nassau Bay, passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2024, in Webster, Texas at the age of 92.
He was born on November 5, 1932 in Nashville, Tennessee to David and Ann Cook.
He worked for Lockheed as a member of the Apollo Space Program that sent man to the moon and was a member of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church. He volunteered with many organizations over his lifetime including Interfaith Caring Ministries of League City and Bay Area New Democrats.
He was preceded in death by his parents David Woodward Cook, Sr, and Ann Holt Cook; of Nashville TN, his sister Eleanor Egbert; of Jacksonville FL, and his wife Sara Dean Cook: of Nassau Bay, TX.
He is survived by daughters, Laura Gayle Velie and husband Chris of League City, Texas; and Rebecca Ann Clements and husband Clint of Pearland; grandchildren, Elle Velie Turner and her husband Cody of Spring; Hunter Steele Velie of League City; Sara Clements Coleman and her husband Wesley of Sugarland; and Madison Nicole Clements and her partner Katelyn Knowles of Lufkin, TX; brother-in-law Ed Egbert of Jacksonville FL.; sister-in-law, Mary Helen Dean of Primm Springs, TN; nephews and nieces.
The Family will receive friends on Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 6-8:00pm at Crowder Funeral Home, 1645 East Main, League City, Texas 77573. A Ceremony will follow on Friday at 10:00am at Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 16335 El Camino Real, Houston, TX 77062.
Following the church service, interment will take place at Forest Park East Cemetery in Webster, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his honor to Interfaith Caring Ministries, 151 Park Ave, League City, TX 77573 https://icmtx.org/donate/ or Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theatre, 1300 Bay Area Blvd. Suite B264, Houston, TX 77058 https://www.bahbt.org/donate .
A beautiful soul has gone to heaven!
On the behalf of the Wood family in Dallas . We send our thoughts to the Cook family and ralaties. RIP. Sending the donation as your wish.
Randy and family,
Thank you so much for your donation. And thank you for thinking of us. We appreciate you very much.
On the behalf of the Wood family in Dallas. We send our thoughts to Mr DAVID WOODWARD COOK’s family and relatives. RIP.
Donation was sent as your suggestions.
Our deepest condolences to a very caring and principle person, who cared about justice, fairness for his fellow human being.
I met David in 2017 when he volunteered for Dayna Steele’s campaign for TX CD 36. He was an amazing man, dedicated to making our world a better one. My condolences to his family.
In the election of 1994 or ’96 we searched for a Democratic HQ somewhere near Clear Lake area, and found one south of League City. There we met Dave Cook who appeared to be running the operation and was incredibly friendly and helpful. I immediately thought here’s someone to work with as I began post-Hatch Act political activities. In the campaign of 1996 Dave and I and a few others began leafletting Clear Lake area precincts with campaign literature for Bill Clinton.
We talked about next steps, as we started connecting with local precinct chairs and others seeking action, as Senate District 17 leaders urged and guided. At suggestion by HCDP, we began organizing the Bay Area New Democrats (BAND) political club, with LaBeth Pondish, Fran Valenzuela, Jim Watson, Darryl Smith and Sara, Dave’s wife. In 1999, BAND was formalized and began monthly meetings.
In 2000, we opened the first Democratic Headquarters Campaign HQ; which Dave and Sara managed seemingly every day and night. Walking neighborhoods, days after day, Dave increased our outreach from Clear Lake through Friendswood. We created the Texas Truth Rangers initiative to share political info to Clear Lake and beyond; Dave loved to explain Ranger flyers to visitors. With Dave’s leadership through the years, the Clear Lake HQs and continual organizing were such a success, they continue today. And it was no surprise to me that Dave, sharp as a tack, was willing and able to write postcards about the election this fall.
For countless years, you and Sara were always there. We couldn’t have done it without your knowledge, commitment and friendliness! We miss you both. We offer our sincere condolences to all of your family.
Gone but not forgotten. Will be missed.
An outstanding gentleman and father. The proof is in the kids. ❤️❤️❤️