John Cobb left this earthly life early on August 19th to be with his heavenly Father and his wife, Zoe Ellen.
John was born at his grandparent's Van Buren home on December 9th, 1926 to parents Clyde and Thelma Bryant Cobb.

He was predeceased by his wife, Zoe Ellen Bules Cobb, a toddler sister, Betty Jo Cobb, his parents, Clyde Cobb and Thelma Flowers, grandparents John E. and Orilla Cobb, two brothers in law, Ben Bules, Jr. and Billy Bules, and his aunts with whom he was raised and thought of as sisters; Fern Cobb Settle, and Frances Cobb Richmond.

He is survived by two daughters, Sandra Pearson and husband Ben of Rudy, Melissa Wick and husband Chris of Fayetteville, three grandchildren, Sarah Loge and husband Todd of Fayetteville, Laura Nolen and husband Walt of Rudy, and John Watkins and wife Becky of Fort Smith, four step grandchildren, Travis Pearson of Fort Smith, Jason Pearson of Roland, Stacie Wick of South Carolina and Lance Wick of South Carolina, three great grandchildren, Taylor Grill of Rudy, Hunter Grill of Rudy, and Ryan Watkins of Fort Smith, 3 step great grandchildren, Madison Nolen of Fort Smith, Ransom Pearson of Van Buren and Ashley Duschinsky of Fort Smith, 2 step great great grandchildren, Boston and Elin Duschinsky, aunt Joyce Cobb Scales of Houston and two sisters in law, Helen Thomas and Margene Bules, both of Van Buren, as well as a host of treasured cousins, neices and nephews.

He entered the Navy shortly after his graduation from Van Buren High School in 1944. John married Zoe Ellen Bules, the love of his life, in March of 1945 and they were married for 65 years when Zoe died in January of 2011, just 6 weeks short of their 66th anniversary. Upon his discharge in the fall of 1946, he began working on the railroad. Unable to attend college on the GI Bill because of his obligations to his young family, he worked at various machinest's jobs in the area, taking courses when able and working his way up until his employment at Whirlpool. Upon retirement as an Engineer at Whirlpool, he worked in Mexico for some years before retiring again. At one point in his career, he taught classes in the technical school at Westark Community College.

John and Zoe enjoyed helping others and were known for their generosity to their family and to many strangers. They loved their family and grandchildren, hosting many holidays and special events at their home. They both appreciated the history of Van Buren and worked to preserve this heritage for others.When Zoe's health declined due to Alzheimer's, John cared for her in their home so that she could be in the surroundings she loved so much.

John was a charter member of the Crawford County Historical Society, a life member of Robert Jack VFW Post in Van Buren, serving as Commander, a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Van Buren, active until Zoe's health precluded their attendance, and served on the Planning Commission of Van Buren. He received the Distinguished Citizen award in 1995.

Funeral service will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Van Buren with burial at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas with Military Honors. Under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren.

Pallbearers are Chuck Bules, Leslie Thomas, Jr., John Thomas, John Mark Scales, D.J. Oliver, and Jason Thomas.