Victor Eugene Cook

Victor Eugene Cook, age 75, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024. Eugene was born in Lubbock, TX at Porter Clinic on November 9, 1949 to loving parents Morris “Curley” & Ruby Cook. He graduated from Cooper High School in 1968 & went on to attend Texarkana College for a year then Texas Tech University for two years on a rodeo scholarship. He was on the Texas Tech Rodeo team riding bulls from 1972 through 1974. Eugene loved bull riding, learning to ride from his father at the age of 15. He was a member of the AJRA, National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, TTU Rodeo Association, & Rodeo Cowboys Association which later became PRCA in 1975. He pursued his passion of riding bulls until hanging up his rope and spurs in 1975.

Anyone that knew Eugene knew he loved to be outdoors working with cattle spending many hours buying, selling, and traveling to and from sale barns across the West Texas area. He had many nicknames from friends and family, a few of them being, “Kid Cook” when he rode bulls in his younger years, “Rabbit” was his handle when he drove trucks, along with Pawpaw and Papa Cow from his grandkids. He never met a stranger and would stop to talk to anyone he encountered, engaging them in lengthy conversations. He enjoyed history, which was his favorite subject in school and didn’t pass up an opportunity to stop and read the historical markers along his travels. He was known for his strong work ethic which he instilled in his children.

He attended First Baptist Church Roosevelt with his beloved wife. He drove trucks for various companies and was employed by MBCI prior to retirement in 2009. Eugene owned and operated C & C Cattle Company with his father, Curley; started C & C Bucking Bulls with his son, Ben; and partnered with PeeWee Cazarez hosting various buck outs for the next generation of bull riders to learn and practice. Though he is gone from this world, his memory will live on through the countless stories and lives he touched throughout his lifetime.

Eugene is survived by his loving wife Margaret and would have celebrated 55 years of marriage in January; his daughter and son-in-law, Leah & Chris Corona; his son and son-in-law, Daniel Cook & Jeremy O'Brien; Kallie Rogers; grandchildren Dakota & Alexis Hart; Jordan Hart; Stetson, Zaylor, & Swayze Cook; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, & close friends whose memories will hold special places in their hearts.

He is preceded in death by his son Ben Cook; parents Curley & Ruby Cook; brother John Cook; in-laws Johnnie & Jean Haden; and many other loved ones who were waiting on him at the Door to Heaven.