Robert Charles Cook, of St. Louis, Mo., died at his home on September 23, 2019.

He was born on October 3, 1956, in Effingham, Ill., the son of Charles Everett and Sarah Alice (Bush) Cook, who preceded him in death.

Robert was educated in the public schools of Belleville and Lebanon, Ill. He graduated from the University of Illinois, Champagne-Urbana in 1978 with a journalism degree. He attended DePaul University law school, earning his Juris Doctor in 1981. He worked as a lawyer in many capacities over a long career, including serving as an assistant attorney general in Missouri, in the Environmental Law division. He was also a writer and legal editor for BNA, an environmental publication, in Washington, DC. Most recently he served as a public defender and as an injury lawyer. His culminating education was at The General Theological Seminary in New York where he earned two master's degrees in theological studies. Rob enjoyed travel, his family and friends, reading, activism and city life. He was a lifelong Democrat. He was a person of great faith, with his membership at Calvary Episcopal Church in Sedalia, Mo. He often filled in as a lay preacher in United Methodist Churches in central Missouri.

Robert is survived by his brother, Jon (Debbie) Cook of Huntley, Ill.; his nephew, Jeffrey Cook; niece, Chelsey Cook, and by many friends and church associates.

He found great comfort in prayer services and liturgy. His memorial service will be at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 315 Graham Rd., St. Louis, Mo. on Saturday, October 26, at 3:00 p.m. with the Rev. Jeannie Martin Dudenhoeffer, officiating. Memorial contributions are suggested to Heifer Project, International.