Robert Cocking, a servant of God, completed his earthly mission and went home to the Lord on November 10, 2025.

Bob—known as Butch by his mother—was born on May 2, 1942, to Dick and Birdie Cocking in Orange County, California. His mother, a very petite woman, gave birth to what his birth certificate officially lists as a “very large baby.”

Bob’s early years were marked by both challenge and resilience. He faced severe dyslexia and an unstable family life. Difficulties in school and youthful misdirection led him to leave high school in the 10th grade. At age 17, a judge gave him two choices—jail or the military. He chose the Navy, though he could not yet read and barely passed the entrance exam.

While serving aboard the aircraft carrier Oriskany, Bob worked on the flight deck and in the bake shop. After a tour in Southeast Asia, his squadron was stationed at North Island in San Diego, where he trained as a jet mechanic, maintaining fighter planes. It was there that he met Bobby Martz, a fellow sailor and devoted Christian. Through Bobby’s friendship and the gentle work of the Holy Spirit, Bob surrendered his life to Christ—a decision that became the turning point of his life.

Bob began attending Logan Heights Baptist Church, where his friend Guy Warner, helped him grow in his faith. Determined to know God’s Word, Bob bought a Bible and painstakingly taught himself to read. Jesus began transforming Bob’s heart and life.

It was at church that Bob met the love of his life, Carol Clark. When his friend Guy asked if there was a girl at church he’d like to date, Bob—thinking of someone else—replied, “Carol.” Guy introduced him to a different Carol, but God knew exactly what He was doing. Bob and the real Carol went on their first date and were married on July 12, 1963, beginning a lifelong partnership of love and ministry.

Eager to learn more about Jesus, Bob and Carol, along with their two-year-old son Jeff, moved to Texas in 1967 to attend Bible school. There, Bob earned his GED and went on to complete a bachelor’s degree in theology.

From a career standpoint, Bob was a true renaissance man. Over his lifetime, he held a remarkable variety of jobs—car thief (before Christ), jet mechanic, baker, project engineer, HVAC installer, master auto mechanic, homeless shelter manager, school bus driver, and driver development and safety manager, among others. A mechanical genius, Bob could fix almost anything. But even more, he was a minister at heart—deeply involved in church planting and leadership throughout his life. During the last twenty years, he felt honored to serve the Lord as an elder for Hope Community Church. He loved God wholeheartedly and found great joy in teaching and preaching. Bob was known for his kindness, humility, and deep love for his family and fellow believers.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Cocking and Birdie St. Hilaire, and his brother, Jack Cocking. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; his sister, Sharon Cross; and his three children—Jeff (and Kim), David (and Marquetta), and Beth. He is also lovingly remembered by his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Hope Community Church on December 6th at 3:00 p.m. Hope Community Church is located at 3405 Custer Rd., Suite 200, Plano, Texas 75023.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hope Community Church.