Robert A. "Bob" Cooke, age 80, of New London passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Born April 1, 1945 in New London, he graduated with the New London High School Class of 1963. At age 14, he had began working in the family business at New London Lanes. His family owned New London Lanes, as well as Luray Lanes, Lex Lanes, and Triway Lanes. Eventually he would become the operating manager of Lex Lanes, where he spent most of his career. Always seeking to improve his knowledge of the bowling industry, he attended Brunswick Mechanic School and Brunswick Automatic Scoring School.

An incredible bowler, Bob created his legacy on the lanes.  At the age of just sixteen, Bob and the New London bowling team won the 1963 American Bowling Congress (ABC) Tournament (Boosters Division) with a score that would hold the record for many years. He also won the Petersen Doubles Tournament with his brother, Rick. He won numerous other tournaments and awards through his bowling career which bears witness to his talent.

While managing bowling centers and bowling competitively, Bob also became heavily involved in the administrative side of things and was elected president of the North Central Ohio Bowling Proprietors Association (NCOBPA) in 1976 and 1977. He would then become executive secretary of the organization in 1982; a position that he would hold for many years. Later as the NCOBPA Tournament Director for many years, he would organize tournaments at several bowling centers.

On the state and national level, Bob was involved in the Bowling Proprietors Association of Ohio (BPAO) and Bowling Proprietors Association of America (BPAA). In the BPAO, he served as president from 1984 to 1985 and chaired the By-Laws Committee for a decade in addition to serving on and/or chairing a variety of other committees. Within the BPAA, he served as Vice President from 1986 to 1990, then other national committees within that organization.

When the National Insurance Program collapsed, Bob further proved his dedication to bowling by earning his Insurance License and opening the Ohio Proprietors Insurance Agency with his partner, Harry Wells, in 1989. When Harry retired, Bob continued to run the business as the sole owner/operator for several more years. The agency provided services that allowed many centers to stay open through various challenges.

As a true testament to Bob's dedication to all things bowling, as an athlete, proprietor, mechanic, insurance provider,  and leader within administrative organizations, he was admitted to the Mansfield Bowling Association Hall of Fame, State of Ohio Bowling Hall of Fame, and the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Hall of Fame. His accolades speak for themselves in regards to the impact that Bob had on bowling, and how deeply he will be missed at the conventions and shows that he enjoyed attending with his family even as recently as May of this year. Bob was truly a legend in the bowling world with a smile, sense of humor, and knowledge base that cannot be replaced.

Although Bob retired as a competitive bowler, he continued to own and operate Lex Lanes and Luray Lanes through the summer of 2025. Outside of his career, Bob cherished time spent at his children's and grandchildren's various events as well as their family gatherings. Later in life, Bob and his significant other Gayle Ashbaker enjoyed attending New London athletic events and spending time at the cabin. Bob was an avid Cleveland Browns and Ohio State Buckeyes fan.

Left to cherish Bob's memory are his children, Bret (Nancy) Cooke, and Kim (Steve) Oeken; grandchildren, Makenna (Jody) Boyd, Lanndrie Cooke, Brianna Oeken, and Max Oeken; great-granddaughter, Bella Boyd; and siblings, Rick (Debbie) Cooke, Randi (Denny) Bittle, and Renee Burns; along with his significant other, Gayle Ashbaker.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Norm and Betty (Rider) Cooke.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial visitation on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Eastman Funeral Home, 200 W. Main St., New London, Ohio, 44851. A memorial service will begin immediately following visitation at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Doug Lang officiating. Private interment will be held at Grove Street Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

There will also be a celebration of Bob's life on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the very place he built his legacy, Lex Lanes, 60 State Route 97, Lexington, OH 44904. The celebration will be held from noon until 2:00 p.m. on that day and all are welcome to join his family and the bowling community in celebrating his life and legacy.

In place of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Bob Cooke Bowling Memorial Scholarship, c/o Lex-Luray Enterprises, Inc., PO Box 3111, Lexington, OH 44904, or the New London Athletic Boosters, 1 Wildcat Drive, New London, OH 44851.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.

Bob Cooke Bowling Memorial Scholarship C/O Lex Luray Enterprises, Inc.
PO Box 3111, Lexington OH 44904

New London Athletic Boosters
1 Wildcat Drive, New London OH 44851