Robert Leon Cohn

Robert Leon Cohn, M.D., passed away on March 6th in Dallas, TX. He was born in Dallas on December 27th, 1923, to Ralph and May Cohn. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Betty; daughter, Leslie Shelton (Jim) of Dallas; grandson, Clay Foor of Dallas; step grandsons, Craig Shelton of Denton, Ron Shelton of Georgetown, Wade Shelton of Liberty Hill; his sister Doris Newman of Fort Worth and niece Patricia Fleming of Arlington. Robert graduated from Northside High School in Fort Worth and attended Texas A&M until joining the U.S. Air Corp in 1942, where he became a 2nd Lieutenant and fighter pilot instructor. After the war, he attended UT- Austin and was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity, then earned a Pharmacy Degree from Texas Wesleyan University. Following that, he obtained his Medical Degree from UT Southwestern Medical School. Robert started a private medical practice in Ft. Worth. In 1963, his aviation and medical careers intersected when he was appointed as Medical Officer for the FAA- SW Region. In 1964 he decided to specialize in anesthesia. After completing a two-year residency at Parkland Memorial Hospital, he became a licensed Graduate of Medicine qualified to serve as a consultant in Anesthesiology. Robert was also certified as a member of the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists and a Fellow of The American College of Anesthesiologists. In 1966, he joined Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas as a charter member and later performed the very first epidurals at the hospital. In 1968 he was elected to the Dallas County Medical Society. Robert was widely known in Dallas for his flawless technique administering spinal anesthesia. In 1971 he was certified as a Diplomate of The American Board of Anesthesiology and upon his retirement in 1997, was awarded a life membership in the Texas Medical Association. For a hobby, Robert continued earning hours in flight training and enjoyed flying around the U.S. with Betty in various twin-engine aircraft. After retiring, Robert and Betty moved to Lakeway, Austin, to be close to their daughter and grandsons. His surviving family hopes that he is flying throughout the heavens and engaging in long thoughtful conversations (which he loved to do) with a scotch in one hand and fine cigar in the other. Robert will be laid to rest in a private service at Sparkman/ Hillcrest, Dallas, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.