Walter Richard Cook, 84, passed away on September 23, 2026, leaving behind a life filled with faith, family, adventure, and a deep love for his wife, Claire.

Richard was born on November 9, 1941, in Conroe, Texas, to WM Cook and Helen Goodman Cook. His early years took his family to Navasota and Freeport, Texas, and Harriman, Tennessee. After World War II, the family returned to Franklin, Texas, and eventually settled in Bryan, where Richard was raised by his mother, Helen, and stepfather, Wesley Moore. No matter where life took him, Richard always considered Bryan his hometown.

In 1964, Richard began what would become a 43-year career in the drilling fluids industry. His work in international sales took him around the world. Over the years, he lived in Anchorage, Alaska; Quito, Ecuador; Singapore; Jakarta, Indonesia; and Cairo, Egypt.

Of all the places his career took him, none was more important than Jakarta.

At a Fourth of July social event there in 1974, Richard met Elizabeth Claire Perks, an Australian working as secretary to the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia. On December 14, 1974, Richard and Claire were married at the Ambassador’s residence in Jakarta, with Ambassador Furlonger performing the ceremony. From that day forward, they were seldom apart.

Their first son, John Bryan, was born in Singapore in 1976, followed by their second son, Cary Lee, in Houston in 1978. From then on, family became the center of Richard’s life. Claire and the boys joined him hunting, fishing, attending sporting events, and enjoying countless adventures together. Despite a demanding career and frequent travel, Richard made nearly every T-ball game, Little League game, soccer match, and activity he could.

For Richard, family always came first.

Richard had a long and successful career in international sales. He retired from Baroid Drilling Fluids in 1999 as Vice President of International Sales. He then joined Baker Hughes Corporation as a Senior Business Development Manager before permanently retiring in 2007.

Richard and Claire built their retirement home just south of College Station and moved there in 2006. Both were loyal Texas A&M supporters and enjoyed spending their retirement years cheering on the Aggies. Richard was also an avid hunter, fisherman, and a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan.

More than anything, Richard was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His family was his greatest source of pride and happiness.

Richard was a member of Christ Global Methodist Church in College Station, and his faith remained an important part of his life. He also proudly served his country in the United States Army.

He often said, “The Lord had His arms wrapped around me my entire life and refused to let me fall through the cracks. The greatest blessing He sent, though, was my wife Claire, my sons, and grandchildren.”

Those words say a great deal about Richard and the way he viewed his life.

Richard was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard and Vivian Goodman and Walter and Jimmie Sue Cook; his father, WM Cook; his mother, Helen Moore; his stepfather, Wesley Moore; his brother, David Cook; his sister, Martha Cook Hungate; and his stepbrother, Charles “Chuck” Moore.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Elizabeth Claire Cook; his son John and wife Jessi of Houston; his son Cary and wife Debbie of Katy; his grandchildren Jamison, Huntley, Ashley, and Benjamin; his sister Beverly Bannister of College Station; his sister-in-law Susan and her husband, Lindsay Smith, of Australia; and his cousins Carol Stiffler, Craig Cook, and Caroline Blackwell. Richard is also survived by Rob Hungate, Tammy Ross, and Sarah Wilson, along with his other nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Richard will be interred at College Station Memorial Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held on October 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Christ Church (4201 State Highway 6 South, College Station, TX 77845). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ Global Methodist Church of College Station or the Methodist Children’s Home of Waco.

Richard traveled the world and built a career he was proud of, but the things that mattered most to him were always much closer to home. His greatest legacy is the family he loved so deeply and the life they built together.