Robert "Bob" R Cordell

Robert “Bob” Ray Cordell of Vienna, WV passed away April 10th, 2026, after a full and meaningful life. Bob will always be remembered for his humor, honor, and kindness. His gift was to lift others up around him. Whatever needs he could help fill or assistance he could provide, he was always prepared with a quip, joke, coupon, or care package.

Bob grew up in Northwest Oklahoma, graduating from Shattuck High School in 1962. His twin passions were education and service. We are grateful for his decorated 30-year career in the United States Army, with assignments around the world. Upon retiring and moving with his family to Parkersburg, he started a second career as a professor at West Virginia University Parkersburg. Although he taught many courses over the years, his best-loved subject was U.S. History.

He has been a lifelong learner, he held degrees from the University of New Hampshire, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, West Virginia University, and Marietta College. Along the way he was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He volunteered in numerous capacities, such as serving on the Wood County Planning Commission, the Ft. Boreman Historical Park Commission, and giving monthly lectures at the Vienna Public Library.

In addition to beloved family spread far and wide, he is survived by his wife, Betsy (Rawson); children Sarah, George (Kristee), Alicia (Thom), and Stephen; and grandchildren Raiden Pack, Vera and Vida Cordell.

A celebration of life will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Capital Dr. in Parkersburg on Wednesday April 15th at 4:00, with interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shattuck Public Library P.O Box 129 Shattuck, OK or to the Vienna Public Library.