Frank Cook

September 30, 1913 - March 3, 2011

FRANK COOK, 97, of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 2:58 pm, Thursday, March 3, 2011 at St. Ann's Healthcare Center, Chester, Illinois. He was born to the late Arlie and Kate (nee Williams) Cook on September 30, 1913 in Macedonia, Illinois. He married Lavern E. Falkenheim on December 1, 1933 in Waterloo, Illinois and they were married for 66 years. She preceded him in death on February 8, 2000. He had worked as a guard at Menard Correctional Center in Chester. During WWII, he went to be a guard at an Ammunition Plant in Joliet, Illinois. Then for most of his career, he managed and operated the Texaco Station in Chester for 35 years. He also served many years as the Randolph County General Assistance Administrator. Frank was very active in the Democratic Party. He was a longtime Chester Democratic Precinct committeeman for Chester Precinct # 2. He served on Chester City Council as Alderman of Chester Ward 2 for 24 years from May 1, 1975 to April 30, 1999. While on the City Council, he served as Chairman of the Streets & Alleys Committee, Finance Committee and Fire Department Committee. Frank was involved in all construction projects during his years as Alderman including the construction of the Chester Sewer Plant, Chester Water Plant, Cohen Recreation Complex, Chester High School Mini-Park, Segar Park and the Gazebo Park. He was very active and dedicated in his work as Chester Alderman, used his knowledge and available time to serve the city. Frank and his wife were very active in politics at the city, county, state and national level. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Chester. A Lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge #72 in Chester, charter member of Randolph County Pierre Menard Democrat Club and was also a Shriner. Survivors: Daughter-in-law: Carole Cook Chester, IL 2 Grandchildren: Rob (Julie) Cook O'Fallon, MO Jayne (Dennis) Baker Rosemount, MN 4 Great Grandchildren: Ryan (Ashley) Baker Rhiannon Baker Tricia Cook Ashley Cook 2 Great-Great Grandsons: A.J. and Brody Preceded in death by: Parents, Wife, 1 Son - Dean Cook and 1 Brother - Byford Cook. Funeral Service: 11:00 am, Monday, March 7, 2011 Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester, IL Officiating: Rev. Marvin "Bud" Bennett Rev. Cecil Dunning Visitation: Sunday - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Monday - 7:30 am - 11:00 am Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester, IL Interment: Evergreen Cemetery Chester, Illinois Memorials: City of Chester First Presbyterian Church - Chester, IL