Walter Mimm Cook

Walter Mimm Cook, Jr., 92, a longtime resident of Newport News, passed away on October 24, 2011, at The Newport, after a brief illness. He was born on July 27, 1919 in Dillwyn, VA to Walter M., Sr. and Sallie Fitzgerald Cook. He served his country during WWII, deployed with the U.S. Navy. Walter was a Design Engineer for the NACA which later evolved into NASA and was heavily involved in NASA’s efforts to design and engineer a space craft to put astronauts on the moon. Walter was also involved in the operation of the Bane family restaurant, Mr. B’s, until its sale in 1970. He retired from NASA in 1977 and very much enjoyed traveling the country with his wife, Marie.
A member and Lifelong Deacon of Hilton Baptist Church, he greatly enjoyed his service to the church and was richly blessed by the many friendships he made there over the years. Pastor Linwood Wells was quite special in his eyes and Walter loved the recount how he taught Linwood everything he knew as his Sunday School teacher.
In 2006, Walter lost his beloved wife of 58 years, Marie Bane Cook. Also a sister, Doris Cook Craig and brother-in-law, Franklin D. Bane preceded him in death.
He is survived by a brother, Earl Ralph Cook Sharon of Dade City, Fla.; a sister-in-law, Sharolyn E. Bane of Newport News; nephews, Bruce Talmadge Craig of Richmond, John M. Bane Tracey of Newport News, Brian J. Bane Georgia of Summerdale, Ala., Earl Wayne Cook Cindy of Jerusalem, Israel; Niece, D’Shea Cook Grogg John of Kilmarnock; two great-nieces and four great-nephews.
The love and help of longtime family friend, Betty Powell, along with the world’s greatest neighbors and the church community as a whole sustained Walter after the loss of his soul mate, Marie. The family expresses their gratitude to these special people.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Monday, October 31, 2011 at Hilton Baptist Church. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be in Peninsula Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hilton Baptist Church, 101 Main Street, Newport News, VA 23601.
Altmeyer Funeral Home-Riverside Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Condolences to the family may be made at altmeyer.com.