Capt. David W. DeCook, United States Navy, Retired, passed away on September 29, 2026, at the age of 96. His life was marked by distinguished service to his country, a commitment to education, and enduring connections to his family and community.
David was born December 29, 1929, in Tillamook, Oregon, to David Arie DeCook and Elsie Rose Walpole DeCook. He graduated from Tillamook High School in 1947 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Oregon State University in 1951. He completed the Navy’s intelligence postgraduate program, equivalent to a master’s degree, in 1960 and earned a Master of Science in International Affairs from George Washington University in 1968. He also attended the Armed Forces Staff College and the United States Naval War College.
Throughout his naval career, David served in assignments encompassing submarine operations, intelligence, command, and international diplomacy. He served aboard USS Endicott, USS Baya, and USS Volador, later serving as executive officer of USS Grenadier and commanding officer of USS Quillback. His assignments included the National Security Agency and the Submarine Force staff, where he served as intelligence officer and Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations. He also served as naval attaché to Norway, held duties at the United States Naval Base and Naval Station in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and served in naval intelligence at the Pentagon.
His distinguished service earned him two awards of the Legion of Merit, two Meritorious Service Medals, and the Navy Commendation Medal with “V,” along with other service medals.
David married Marylou Herndon on June 18, 1951, in Salem, Oregon. They shared more than forty years of marriage before her passing on November 13, 1991. He married Mary Cover on January 29, 1994, in Virginia Beach. They shared nearly twenty-eight years together before her passing on October 17, 2021.
He leaves to cherish his memory his children, David Allen DeCook and his wife, Marcia; Terrile Lee Burt and her husband, Clifford; and Anthony Scott DeCook and his wife, Lisa. His stepchildren include Rebecca Wellborn and her husband, Edward; Wanda Wilson and her husband, Robert; Steven Cover and his wife, Dale; Dawn Cover and Thad James; and Michael Cover.
His grandchildren include Carter Ann DeCook, Meagan M. DeCook, Morgan L. DeCook, Elizabeth Wynegar, Brittany Wiggins, Kristin Cover, Sidney Russell, Colter Chambers, Devon Chambers, Courtney Cover, Sierra Arce, Amber Bordelon, Heather George, and Trisha James.
David remained involved in civic, fraternal, and veterans’ organizations beyond his naval service. He served as chairman of the board of Atlantic Fleet Federal Credit Union and was affiliated with St. Andrews United Methodist Church. His organizational affiliations included the Masonic Lodge in Tillamook, Scottish Rite in Key West, National Sojourners, Heroes of ’76, Khedive Temple, Legion of Honor, Tillamook Pioneer Association, Submarine League, National Submarine Veterans, Oregon State Alumni Association, and the National Rifle Association.
Across nearly a century of life, David’s journey took him from his hometown in Oregon to naval assignments around the world. His legacy of service and leadership remains with his family, fellow service members, and the communities to which he contributed.
The family will receive friends on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Smith & Williams Funeral Home. A funeral service celebrating David’s life will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home. A committal service with Full Naval Honors will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Nimmo United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Family and friends are warmly invited to return to Smith & Williams Funeral Home following the graveside committal service for a catered reception and a time of fellowship, remembrance, and shared memories in honor of Capt. David W. DeCook.
