ROBERT WILDER COSSUM, JR.

08/07/1927 - 11/19/2023

Robert Wilder Cossum

Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather and greatgrandfather passed away on November 19, 2023, in the presence of family and while resting next to his dog Sophie.

Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife of 71 years, Carol Cossum, by 142 days. Also preceding him in death were his father, Robert Wilder Cossum Sr., mother, Margaret Duthie Cossum, and sister Sarah Cossum Redfield.

Surviving are his sons Bobby and his partner

Debra, John and his partner Kelly, David and his wife Ann; grandchildren Taylor, Zachary and his wife Lauren, Hunter, Quentin, and Andrea; and great-granddaughter Blakelyn; nieces Suzy Blundred, Barbie Angel, Becky Redfield and Wendy Redfield, and nephews David Inglis and Sam Redfield; as well as God daughters Kathryn McNiel and Catherine Raffaele.

Bob was born on August 7, 1927, in Evanston Illinois, where he later met his wife Carol. After graduating from high school Bob entered the Navy Reserves 27 days prior to Japan’s formal surrender bringing an end to World

War II. He served a year in the Navy Reserves before entering Princeton University where he graduated in 1952 with a degree in geology. Bob and Carol were married in Winnetka Illinois on June 21, 1952 and moved to Houston shortly after where Bob went to work as a geologist for the American Republic Corporation which soon merged with Sinclair Oil. Sons Bobby, and then John, were born in Houston. Bob went to work for Sohio in 1957 and was later transferred to New Orleans for a brief time where David was born. After Bob returned to Houston, he went to work for Zapata Norness in 1963. Bob’s work as a geologist led to many great adventures.

The entire family was able to join him in Scandinavia one summer when he was working in the North Sea. His work also took him to South Africa and Venezuela. Much of his work later in his career, consulting with smaller oil and gas ventures, kept him closer to home in Texas, Louisiana, and the Gulf of Mexico. While his work did require travel, Bob was always a family man and very involved in the life of his children at home, in Indian Guides, little league baseball, church youth groups, and even ice hockey. He was also Carol’s biggest fan and supporter as she pursued her master’s and doctorate degrees and her own career in education and counseling. Bob loved staying active. Early on he enjoyed bowling and then became an avid tennis player, and then an avid golfer into his 90’s, engaging with others and making friends along the way. Later in life, he and Carol enjoyed volunteering on various projects at Christ Church Cathedral in Houston and dedicated their time and resources on issues reflective of their values. Bob always enjoyed time spent with family, especially grandchildren and most recently a greatgranddaughter.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, December 18, 2023, at Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Ave., in Houston. The service will be live-streamed at: https://www.christchurchcathedral.org/robertcossum/

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make donations to the charity of your choice. Organizations close to Bob and Carol’s heart include Christ Church Cathedral in Houston, Hermann Park Conservancy in Houston, and Blackwood Educational and Land Institute in Hempstead.