White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Robert M. Cook, 87 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Monday, April 6, 2015, at ABCM Rehab Independence – West in Independence.  He was born on March 6, 1928, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the son of Max K. and Ina (Reese) Cook.  He graduated from high school in Waverly, Iowa.  During the Korean Conflict he served in the U.S. Army.  On December 28, 1952, he and the former Donnice Marellen Fisher were married at the 1^st Methodist Church in Independence.  She preceded him in death in 2005.  The two of them were the owners and operators of the Ace Hardware Store in Independence until they retired.  Mr. Cook was a member of the 1^st United Methodist Church in Independence, the Bechter-Boise V.F.W. Post #2440, the Sheehan-Tidball American Legion Post #30, and for 25 years he was a member of the Independence Volunteer Fire Department.  From 1994 until 2011, he was a member of the Independence Light, Power, and Telecommunications Board of Trustees.  He was also a member of the Independence Area Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame.  In his free time he enjoyed trout fishing and visiting with friends.

Mr. Cook is survived by 2 son, Doug (Lura) Cook of Independence and Scott Cook of Phoenix, Arizona, and 2 daughters, Vicky Cook of Rochester, Minnesota, and Carol Vieth of Independence.  He is also survived by 3 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and 1 brother, Richard (Marlys) Cook of West Des Moines, Iowa.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2015, at the 1^st United Methodist Church in Independence with Rev. Scott Meador officiating.  Burial will be in Wilson Cemetery in Independence.  Friends may call for visitation from 4 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8^th, at the White Funeral Home in Independence where a Military Service begins at 7 p.m.

A Memorial Fund has been established.