John H. Cook

CHARLESTON, IL – John Howard Cook, age 89 of Charleston, peacefully entered into his eternal home on Monday, May 25, 2020 while at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.   A private visitation for immediate family will be held at Adams Funeral Chapel.   A Graveside Service, honoring and celebrating his life, will be conducted at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2020 with Pastor Rusty Cook officiating.    Memorials may be made to his family in care of Paula Todd, and may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL  61920.

John was born in the small community of Kemp, Illinois, a son of the late Alonzo and Wanda (Gardner) Cook.  He married the love of his life, Mildred Maxine Farris on March 31, 1955 at the Charleston Bible Center Church.  They shared 60 wonderful years of marriage prior to her death on December 28, 2015.  Left to cherish their many memories is a loving and devoted family which includes three children, David Cook of Charleston, Paula Todd and husband Louie of Charleston and Doug Cook and wife Mary of Panama City, Florida; seven grandchildren, Letitia (John) Wilson, Jeremy Cook, Derek (Kim) Cook, Kim (Jackson) Hoover, Rusty (Konnie) Cook, Courtney (Derrick) Scott, Kaitlin (Eric) Miller; and a step-grandson, Michael Todd.  He also leaves eleven (soon to be twelve) great-grandchildren who provided him with joy beyond measure, Rustin Cook, Kendall Cook, Kailey Cook, Christian Wilson, Aiden Cook, Myla Cook, Trinity Cook, Zion Miller, Ezekiel Miller, Hannah Scott and Camille Scott; a great-great-grandchildren, Amiru N’diaye Cook, Jr.; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.  In addition to his parents and loving wife, he was preceded in death by one brother, six sisters, and several nieces and nephews.

John was a graduate of Charleston High School.  He actively served his country with the U.S. Army as a medical nurse from 1951 – 1953 and was discharged to the ERC for completion of his eight year service under the Universal Military Training and Service Act.  He was honorably discharged from the military on November 7, 1959.  John was a 36 year employee of Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company where he was a lineman.  He later opened Cookie’s Bait Shop, a family business which he operated from his home.  He enjoyed nothing more than visiting with fellow fishermen and sharing fishing stories.

John was an avid bowler, loved to garden, and enjoyed grilling family favorites; but his hobbies of hunting and fishing shared with family and friends were the times he enjoyed the most.  Many fond memories were made hunting with grandson, Jeremy and great-grandson, John Aiden; or fishing with son, Dave Cook and grandson Derek Cook and other family and friends who might tag along.  Family was always John’s priority – his focus remained on providing for their needs and he was steadfast in his love and devotion. 

John was a simple man and content in leading a simple life.  He could be satisfied just being at home watching television, running his bait shop, working in his garden, fishing or hunting.  He will truly be missed by all.

To view Family Tribute Video click here.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE
The Graveside Service celebrating the life of John Cook was held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston with Pastor Rusty Cook officiating.  Military Services included the music "America the Beautiful" with a flag presentation by Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 Auxiliary member, Dave Finley following a recording of the 21 Gun Salute and Taps.  Musical selections included "Daddy's Home", "Really Gonna Miss You" and "Fishing In The Sky".  A recording of "Wind Beneath My Wings" by granddaughter, Kim Hoover was also played.  Pallbearers were: Rusty Cook, Doug Cook, Jeremy Cook, Derrick Cook, Rustin Cook, Mark Cook, John Cook and Trinity Cook.  Honorary Pallbearer was Dave Cook.  Services were concluded with a "duck call" given by grandson, Jeremy Cook.

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