Carl G Cobb's Obituary
Carl Gene Cobb, 88, of Tacoma Washington passed on January 30th 2024. Services will be held at Mountain View Cemetery on March 1st in the Garden Chapel at 11:00AM with graveside at 12:30PM and reception to follow. Carl was born in Eldorado, Illinois on August 29th 1935. He was preceded in death by his mother Grace, his older sister Irene, his brother-in-law Eugene, and his younger sister Brenda. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Haruko, their 5 children, James (Belinda), Jeanette (Mike), Robert (Tina), Irene (Bob), and Joyce, his niece Debbie, his 11 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren. Carl spent his youth in Illinois. He was extremely close to his grandmother Ellen who passed in his arms when he was 18. He was like a son to his sister Irene and brother-in-law Eugene. He later moved to Michigan where he worked as a mechanic. Carl was also an amateur pilot, planning on getting his license in Michigan and briefly attended college before being drafted. Carl was drafted into the military at 21, going on to serve in both Korea and Vietnam. During his military career he served as a Drill Sergeant, appearing in the film Basic Training (1971) by Frederick Wiseman. He worked in Food Service, as well as Combat Engineer units, and the 269th Special Weapons Unit. He met his wife Haruko while stationed in Okinawa, Japan and they married in 1958. After serving for 22 years and earning the rank of Master Sergeant, he retired from the U.S. Army. He entered the civilian workforce and became the Director of Food Services for Wesley Homes Retirement Community. Diagnosed with cancer in 1996, he retired the same year. In his younger years Carl was an avid runner, participating in the Sound to Narrows 3 times. He enjoyed going camping with his children, fishing, playing basketball, and watching football. Carl was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He was very close with his daughter Joyce and granddaughter Emily, who he called his shadow. He also enjoyed visiting with his wonderful neighbor Doug. In his later life he lived with his wife, his youngest daughter, and his youngest granddaughter.
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