Douglas Bruce Cook

Douglas Bruce Cook of Des Moines, Iowa passed away at the age of 66 on October 30, 2012 at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. During his surprisingly short battle with lung cancer, his positive attitude and faith in Jesus Christ inspired us all.

Doug graduated from Urbandale High School and received his Bachelor degree from University of Nebraska at Omaha. He most recently held the position of Senior Director of Risk Management at Amtrak in Washington, D.C. He served in the United States Army from 1966-1972; served in Vietnam from 1969-1970; and ended his military career as Captain with a Bronze Star, an Air Commendation Medal and other distinguished service medals and awards. He was a dedicated Elder in the Presbyterian Church. He was involved with the church youth group and was passionate about helping the homeless. He was also an avid golfer and loved many other sports including Iowa Hawkeyes and Houston Texans football.

He is survived by his mother Edith Hope Cook; his loving wife Pamela Ann of Elkridge, MD; his children Melissa Ann Zemencsik (Jeff), Kimberly Sue Murphy (Kevin), and Christopher Douglas (Eileen); his grandchildren Ryan, Lauren, Madelynn, Zoe, Abigail and Shawn. He is also survived by brothers Vance (Laura) and Andrew (Gina) and sisters Marcia Gardner and Linda Kersey and brother-in-law Kevin Dunckel (Gloria); nieces Wendy, Debbie, Jennifer, Tiffany, Amber, Jenny and Ashley, nephews Greg, Brent, Steve, Jeff, Clint, Kevin and Kenny and their families; his father-in-law Roland Dunckel; and twenty great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, November 9, 2012 at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, November 10, 2012 at Windwood Presbyterian Church, 10555 Spring Cypress Rd., Houston, Texas 77070.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.