Woodward County Obituary
Elmwood Cemetery

© Billings Funeral Home
WOODWARD, WOODWARD CO, OK
(permission granted)
Submitted by: Ann Weber

Hugh Gene Cook

June 11, 1928 ~ April 9, 2020

Hugh Gene Cook joined the Lord, his loving wife and family that has gone before him on Thursday, April 9, 2020. He was born on June 11, 1928 to Joseph Benjamin and Maude Mary Cook in Beggs, Oklahoma. He attended Seminole High School and was a proud member of the Chieftains football team. He had his eye on the sister of a very close friend and quickly fell in love with Dora Louise Lumley. They wed on December 2, 1950 and were together until her death on November 18, 2016. Spanning almost 66 years where they shared their love of family and the Lord.

He is survived by their two children, their son Michael Gene Cook (the late Jeffie Jo) of Woodward and Janice Gail Carson (Keith) of Cleveland Ohio. We are so blessed to have had him in our lives. His love and commitment to family was immeasurable. He spent his life providing for us, protecting us and living by an example of who we are today. He was a man of few words but we knew his heart, his values and his love for us. The raising of one eyebrow was all that was needed if he thought we were misbehaving. One of his greatest pleasures was sharing his success with all. We shared many wonderful family trips to the Caribbean where quality time was spent together, laughing, playing and bonding as a family.

Their seven grandchildren fondly remember their granddad trips to the local fishing holes, a stop to check on a gas well or hunting in the fall. Most of these trips started with a fried pie for the road or ended with a milkshake. But they could count on a sweet treat, granddad style. They are Jared Estes (Megan) of Dallas Tx, John Estes (Erin) of Avon Lake Ohio, Justin Estes (Rachel) of Clayton CA, Alexis Combs (Brent) of Edmond OK, Lucas Cook of Woodward, Rhett Carson (Brooke) of Clinton PA and Sean Carson (Margaret) of Ft. Riley KS.

He is leaving behind sixteen great grandchildren who are Taylor, Kylee, Sydney, Alexa, CJ, Mason, Cameron, Nikki, Jackson, Brynn, Jameson, Cayden, Lily, Carson, Aubrey and Harper. He’d just shake his head with wonder when he’d see the children playing. The sound of their laughter would lift his heart and bring a smile.

Gene shared his love for the Lord and knowledge of God’s word with his wife, Louise. They were known for their biblical knowledge and were often asked to lead study groups or interpret God’s word. One of their greatest joys was their trip to the Holy Land where they walked the very roads that Jesus walked. They spent tireless days exploring Israel and rejoiced for every moment that they were there.

Gene grew up in the oil camp of Pure Oil Company and was grounded in the oil and gas industry. He worked various oilfield related jobs, roughnecking, well logging, pipeline and roustabouting that led up to establishing United Oil and Gas Services in 1970. He expanded UOGS into Singapore providing new adventures and life experiences. Gene started the first natural gas compression company in the tri-state region and later sold with a total of 38 natural gas compressors. Gene was recognized in 2013 at the Tri State Convention for his contributions and leadership in the oil and gas industry. He worked endless days and nights building a company that brought him pride and success and still continues today.

His love of fishing gave him respite from an otherwise demanding business and allowed him a few quiet moments upon the water to rest and reflect. He was a quiet man so it’s not surprising that the still of the water gave him peace. His hobby took him to many places, Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean waters and Alaska were just a few.

He was known as a kind and generous man. Those who knew him well knew he’d have a smile and pleasantry for everyone. On many occasions he gave family members and friends a ‘hand up’ if struggling during difficult times. (God has blessed your mother and me so if we can help others, we will), he would say.

He is also survived by two sisters Catherine Pettyjohn (Jim) of Shawnee OK and Linda Bradford of Shawnee, OK

Visitation hours are April 14, 2020 from 9 am to 8 pm. Graveside services at Elmwood Cemetery will be April 15, 2020 at 2:00 with Reverend Shannon Davis officiating. Live streaming of the service with Billings Funeral Home on Facebook will be available.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial contribution to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for Arthritis.

Gene and Louise are together again in their heavenly home!