Ronald “Ron” Wayne Cook was born May 18, 1947, in Cumberland, MD, to Mary Elizabeth (Miller) Cook and Wayne Mowery Cook. Ron died suddenly on March 4, 2025, in Gettysburg Hospital. He graduated from Mt. Savage High School in 1965. For many years he was a proud leader of his local DeMolay Chapter. Ron was a radio disc jockey at WCUM while attending Allegany College and went on to graduate from the International Academy, Inc. (IAI), a computer training and information technology facility.

Upon graduation he immediately began his career in the aerospace industry working with Bendix Field Engineering Corp. at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. As a computer programmer working on the Apollo Project, his mission-critical support spanned the first 6 manned missions from Apollo 7 through 12, including Apollo 11, the first manned Lunar landing in July of 1969. He played a key role developing the information systems for Freedom, the first generation of the International Space Station.

Ron shared his knowledge and expertise by teaching Information Systems and Technology classes for the Lear Seigler Institute. Throughout his 50 years in IT, he designed and developed computer networking systems with various non-profit, civilian, federal government defense and intelligence agencies. He was the recipient of multiple honors and recognition from NASA, NOAA, DOI, USGS, DoD and others for his valuable contributions in the field.

Ron loved his family and friends. He was always the first one to lend a helping hand with a project, give someone a ride, or just be there as a strong shoulder to cry on. He loved his children and was very proud of the adults they have become. He was extremely proud to be a Pappy to his two grandchildren. He enjoyed attending their games, concerts and spending time with them. Ron also loved car trips, usually choosing the scenic route over the most direct, shortest way.

As a member of the Antique Automobile Club of America, Ron enjoyed restoring old cars and “cruisin” in his vintage 1963 Pontiac Bonneville convertible and his 1962 classic Chevy Corvette convertible. He enjoyed entering car shows and parades, winning multiple trophies and awards or just going for a ride, taking his wife out for ice-cream.

He was a faithful member of and Deacon at Rolling Hills Baptist Church in Clarksville, MD where he and his family were members for over 40 years before retiring to Littlestown, PA., in 2016. He and his wife became active members of First Baptist Church of Littlestown. He was dedicated to the Lord and enjoyed working in many ministries and serving on numerous committees and councils.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Susan J. (Drenning) Cook and three children, a son, Justin and his wife Karla of Washington, PA; daughter, Karissa and Shawn Schroyer of Martinsburg, WV, daughter Lacenda Warren and her husband, Matthew, grandson Joshua, and granddaughter Reece of Shrewsbury, PA; also his sister, Liane Swanson of Bedford, PA; plus many nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends.

Services will be held Saturday, March 15, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 5015 Baltimore Pike (Route 97), Littlestown, PA. 17340. Visitation 10 a.m. Funeral 11 a.m.

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