BELFAST— Senior Master Sgt. Robert “Bob” Lynlie Cookson, USAF (ret), passed away August 12, 2017 at Harbor Hill Center in Belfast, Maine where he was recovering from a fall 11 days prior.

One of nine children, Bob was born to Lizzie (Dow) and Silas Cookson of Albion, Maine on July 3, 1932. Bob married Evelyn Buzzell of Swanville in 1953 (divorced 1970) with whom he fathered four children. Bob was very proud of his 27 years of service in the U.S. Air Force and his being a Vietnam Veteran. During his stint in the military, he was stationed in Texas, Wyoming, California, Bermuda, New Jersey, Thailand, New Hampshire and finished his military career at Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine. Upon his retirement, he settled in Brooks, Maine where he met and married Gloria Downey who had three adult children. Bob and Gloria enjoyed over 20 years together playing cards, gardening, travelling and building a home together before her death.

Bob served as Commander of VFW Post 3108 from 1991-92, was a member of the Brooks Volunteer Fire Department serving as 1st Assistant Chief, was a member of the Grange for over 60 years and was a very active member of the First Congregational Church of Brooks which became his family and is where he met his end of life companion, Joyce Dunton.

Bob was predeceased by his sisters Elsie Wilson, Shirley Ellis, Dora Blaisdell, Luona Willette, and brother John Cookson, wife Gloria Downey, stepson Brad Downey, son Gene Cookson and companion Joyce Dunton.

Surviving are his sisters Faye Pottle and Beverly Webber, brother Mayo Cookson, stepsons Mark and David Downey, sons Dale and Randy Cookson and daughter Terry Cookson and their spouses, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, numerous nephews, nieces and friends.

There will be no visiting hours. A celebration of life will be held at the First Congregational Church in Brooks, Maine on Saturday, September 23, at 11 a.m. Memorial donations in his name may be made to the First Congregational Church in Brooks, Maine. Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.ripostafh.com.