Funeral services for Mr. Robert Claude "Sonny" Cook, age 82 of Ruston, LA will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, August 10, 2023 at New Prospect Baptist Church near Dubach, LA with Rev. Larry Bullock officiating. Burial will follow in Cook Cemetery in Ruston under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston.

Sonny was born July 29, 1941 in Ruston to J.W. and Martille Copeland Cook and lost his life August 7, 2023 in a work-related accident. He graduated high school and served in the United States Navy. As an accomplished heavy equipment operator, he won competitions and supported his family throughout his life. His work ethic, technical prowess and warm personality left an indelible mark. Sonny was known for his ability to excel in his work at excavating. It was said that he could dig a pool so perfectly that the liner could be dropped right in. Sonny was a passionate sportsman who cherished hunting and fishing, particularly deer hunting. During the season, he could often be found spending his weekends at the hunting camp. Sonny was a good man with many human failings, as we all have. He shared his heart with all of his family and never wavered in the giving of his heart. Sonny was a provider who treated everyone with kindness and respect, always delivering his best effort. He cherished moments with his children and grandchildren. Sonny was also a skilled jokester who was especially known for dad jokes that could always make you smile. He never met a stranger. Sonny had a personality that made people gravitate to him. He had a way of making friends feel as if they were his family. People were better for having met Sonny, and the world is a lesser place without him. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife Barbara Cook; sister Mary Lois Cook-Hughes; brother-in-law Harry Hughes; niece Melissa Hughes-Hall; great-niece Renee Hall; and nephew Gordon Hughes.

Sonny is survived by his wife Lynda Cook of Ruston; sisters: Nancy Frye, Beth Cook-Munson and husband John, Pixie Kees and husband Roy all of Ruston and Ruth Anne Johnson and husband Bill of Elkin, NC; children: Angela McNerny and husband Michael, Tina Ray and husband Aaron, Joy Nolan and husband Shawn and Bobby Cook; step-children: Lisa Till and husband Todd, Mandy Minnifield and husband Terry, and Brian Hester and wife Lynn; grandchildren: Robert Nolan, Sarah Nolan, Megan Nolan, Jake Ray, Jerrod Ray, Colin McNerny, Justin McNerny, Megan McNerny, Blake Till and wife Katie, Lauren Powell and husband Josh and Samantha Minnifield; great-grandchildren Finley Powell and Hollis Powell; nephews: Randy Hughes, Matthew Hughes, Blake Johnson, Adam Johnson, Patrick Curry and Ben Curry; nieces: Debbie Tinsley, Dawn Frye and Danielle Landry; and a host of other family and many friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Carl Glover, Kelly Glover, Jay Seal, Dennis Gaston, Jerry Brunson and Luke Dugdale. Honorary pallbearers are D.B. Gay, Don Cockran, Fred Pee and Ronald Taylor.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at Owens Memorial Chapel in Ruston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cook Cemetery Fund.