Charles K. “Charlie” Cook, 78, of Galesburg, Illinois, died Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.
Charlie was born in Caneyville, Kentucky on November 24, 1945, to Roy and Delores (Kinser) Cook. He graduated from Avon High School in 1969. He then joined the US Air Force, serving in Vietnam. He then served in the Air National Guard, stationed in Peoria for many years. Charlie was a carpenter by trade and worked in construction.
Charlie is survived by his two brothers, Terry Cook of Enid, Oklahoma and Leroy “Pete” Cook of Louisiana; four daughters, Patricia Belsik of Seattle, Washington, Christina Ashcroft of Bushnell, Illinois, Trudy VonSeebury of Georgetown, Texas, and Candace Cook of Abingdon, Illinois; one sister, Nan Swift of Caneyville, Kentucky; the love of his life, Bonnie Parkin of Galesburg; four grandchildren, Amber Winkles of Cedar Park, Texas, Katrina and Jessica Fidler both of Bushnell, and Keenan Hall of Abingdon; and four great grandchildren. Charlie is preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers, David Cook, JD Elmore, Emeril “Red” Elmore; and two sisters, Ann and Jane.
Charlie made an impression on person he met. He loved tending to his garden and canning his vegetables. He loved bird watching and being outdoors and loved to joke with everyone. He will never be forgotten and will be greatly missed by all.
Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, April 29, 2024, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Graveside services with military honors, will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be directed to Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
