Charles E. Cook

Charles Edward Cook, 82, passed peacefully on Thursday, August 4, 2011. Charlie was a lifelong El Paso area resident and was born Valentines Day-1929. Charlie grew up in the rural upper valley enjoying the river and open spaces. He served honorably in the US Army during the Korean conflict. In 1956 Charlie married Nurse Ramona Page of Santa Rosa, NM-his adored wife of 55 years. Charlie worked at El Paso Natural Gas Company as Senior Purchasing Agent-retiring after a 30 year career. In 1972 Charlie, Ramona and kids began the “JRAM” family farm in Clint, TX. . His work on the pecan orchard and new home in Clint developed into a passion for farming and an advocacy for good common sense water use management in the Lower Valley. Charlie was a key player in the creation of the San Elizario Grant Municipal Utility District. This Utility has helped to bring safe drinking water to thousands of Lower Valley residents. Charlie was a lifelong member of then ELKS Lodge # 187, a member of the American Legion Post # 36, past president of the San Elizario MUD, Vice Chairman-Water Issues for the Rio Grande Council of Governments and Chairman of the Environmental Council for the Rio Grande Council of Governments. Charlie is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Ramona. devoted children and their spouses; Joe (and Becky) Cook of Clint, TX, Veronica Cook of Houston, TX and Mesilla, NM, Anna (and Miles) Dyson of La Mesa, NM, and Michael Cook of Houston, TX. Also surviving are dearly loved grandchildren Tressa and Joshua Cook and sister Pat Pavco along with numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and good friends. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Monday, August 8, 2011 with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home-East at 750 N. Carolina Dr. Burial with Graveside Service will be at Fort Bliss National Cemetery on August 9th at 9:30 a.m. Family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Reynolds Home or Friends of the Cielo Vista Library in Charlie’s Name. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-East.