John Eugene Cook, III, 69, of New Athens, born March 19, 1951 in St. Louis, MO passed away on Monday December 28, 2020 at Belleville Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL. John bravely and honorably served his country. He voluntarily enlisted to serve two tours of active duty in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War as a sniper and earned the rank of Sergeant. Following his service as a Marine, he served in the Navy Reserve and Air National Guard. John served the Village of New Athens as a police officer for 20 years, and was previously a paint sales representative for Pittsburgh Paint and Glass (PPG). He was a member of the Disabled Veterans of America and the National Rifle Association.
John was preceded in death by his parents; John E. Cook, II and Catherine (Duvall) Cook, and 1 sister; Mary Georger.
He is survived by his wife Eloise “Elly” (Schott) Cook whom he married on October 26, 1974 in Brentwood, MO, two daughters; Emily Catherine (Jeremy) Juenger and Shannon Kathleen (Brian) Cook-Messina all of New Athens, IL, three sisters; Janet Ketcherside of Ironton, MO, Carol Diedriech of St. Louis, MO and Judy Gregorc of High Ridge, MO, two brothers; Wayne Cook of Ironton, MO and Robert Cook of Arnold, MO, and three grandchildren; Cole and Clay Juenger and Charlotte Isabel Messina.
Memorials are encouraged to be made to Disabled Veterans of America or to the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis.
Private visitation and services are being scheduled. Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.
Ellie, daughters, the Cook family, all relatives and friends John had served his country and the public well it is his time to rest. May God be with you to comfort you in your time of need.
God bless,
Ron and Antoinette Georger
Sending our condolences.Many prayers for strength during this time.
ReplyCondolences to the family. Got many rides in the back seat of his police car.😏 He will be missed one of the best cops I knew. And a great guy.
ReplyMy condolences to the entire family. John will be missed by many
ReplyThank you for your kind words about dad Scott. Your honest words about your “adventures ” with dad made me smile. There have been several other people who have shared similar memories. Someone also remembered calling him Papa John. The police officers back then are much different than the ones today.
Dad was good at making people laugh. He definitely had a wide vocabulary. His vocabulary included many words and phrases he created himself. (that are inappropriate to repeat)
We enjoyed camping with John and Ellie at Lake Campalot. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
ReplyThank you Todd. Dad was your friend and spoke highly of your professional skills.
ReplyThis site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Emily, Jer and family; Ellie; Shannon and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you all.
We enjoyed camping with John and Ellie at Lake Campalot. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Thank you Todd. Dad was your friend and spoke highly of your professional skills.
My condolences to the entire family. John will be missed by many
Thank you for your kind words about dad Scott. Your honest words about your “adventures ” with dad made me smile. There have been several other people who have shared similar memories. Someone also remembered calling him Papa John. The police officers back then are much different than the ones today.
Dad was good at making people laugh. He definitely had a wide vocabulary. His vocabulary included many words and phrases he created himself. (that are inappropriate to repeat)
Condolences to the family. Got many rides in the back seat of his police car.😏 He will be missed one of the best cops I knew. And a great guy.
Sending our condolences.Many prayers for strength during this time.
Ellie, daughters, the Cook family, all relatives and friends John had served his country and the public well it is his time to rest. May God be with you to comfort you in your time of need.
God bless,
Ron and Antoinette Georger