Jerry Dean Cook, Sr., 87, of Du Quoin, passed away at 1:11 P.M., Friday, November 28, 2025 at the Pinckneyville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Pinckneyville, IL.
Jerry had worked as an equipment operator for Waltonville Mine #6, Amax Coal Company, and Arch Coal Company.  He retired on November 1, 1995.  He was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Carbondale, IL.  Before he joined Our Savior Lutheran Church, he was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Du Quoin for fifty years, where he served as an elder, trustee, chairman and a Sunday school teacher.  Jerry was a 1957 Du Quoin High School graduate.  He was a United States Air Force veteran, serving from 1957 until 1962.  He was a member of UMWA Local 1650, District 12.  Jerry was known for being a prankster and loved making people laugh.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, watching his sons' and grandchildrens' sports and activities.  Jerry enjoyed hunting and woodcrafting for many years.  Jerry made life better for everyone around him.
He was born July 2, 1938 in Du Quoin, IL, the son of Claude and Mary (Young) Cook.
He married Rita Stamper on September 2, 1960 and they were married for sixty-five years.
He is survived by his wife of Du Quoin, three sons - Jerry D. Cook, Jr. and girlfriend Barb Probst, Jeff Cook and wife Lisa, and Tim Cook and wife Janice, nine grandchildren - Cameryn Degler (Jon), Carleigh Spain (Brandon) Spencer Cook (Sarah), Nick Cook (Shannon), Sam Cook (Trinity), Maggie Cook (Zack), Dylan Cook, Alexandra "Lexi" Edwards (Dakota), and Savannah Raines, thirteen great grandchildren - Emereigh, Archer, Haidyn, Noble, Juniper, Peyton, Paisley, Marleigh, Ziggy, Stephen, Claire, Henry, and Emma, three step great grandchildren - Stella, Tara, and Taylor, one sister - Ann Genesio, one brother - Tom Cook and wife Vida Kay, and many nieces, nephews, and friends who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters - Norma McMurray, Nellie Vancil, and Wilma Oestreicher, one brother - Junie Cook and twin brothers at birth.
Services to celebrate Jerry's life will be at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Du Quoin with Pastor Jason Holden officiating.
Friends may call from 9 A.M. until the time of service on Wednesday at the church.
Jerry will be laid to rest in the Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin, IL.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and the United States Air Force.
In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorials to Vitas Hospice, Fairview Heights, 16 Executive Dr., Suite 100, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 or Our Savior Lutheran Church, 700 S. University Ave., Carbondale, IL 62901 or will be accepted at the funeral home.
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.