University News
WIU Mourns Death of Trustee, Emeritus Professor
May 23, 2008
MACOMB, IL - - Robert J. Cook, 70, of Macomb, a Western Illinois University Board of Trustees member and an education professor emeritus, passed away at 7:18 a.m. May 22 at his residence.
Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 27 at the Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home, 201 W. Carroll St., Macomb. Graveside services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 28 at the Forest Grove Cemetery in Canton, MO. Pastor Brian Stone will officiate. A guestbook is available online at www.dodsworthfh.com.
Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home
Cook, who was born May 26, 1937 in Quincy (IL), is survived by his wife, Evelyn, his son, Joe Cook of Macomb, and daughter, Amy (Robin) Hinchee of Colchester (IL).
He spent most of his youth in Canton, MO, graduating from Canton High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in public school administration from Truman State University. He received his Ph.D. in Educational Administration from St. Louis University.
He served as a classroom teacher and public school administrator in both rural Missouri and suburban St. Louis. He also served in the U.S. Army for six years, with six months active duty.
He was appointed to the Western Illinois University Board of Trustees in February 2006 and served the board as secretary. Cook had supervised student teachers and taught educational administration courses at WIU for 35 years, retiring July 1, 2002. Included in his dedicated service to the University were his roles as president of the Faculty Council of the College of Education and secretary of Faculty Senate.
Cook also served as state president of the University Division of the Illinois Education Association and state president of the Illinois Association of Teacher Educators. He was Western Illinois University's faculty representative to the Illinois Board of Higher Education for 13 years.
Cook was president of the McDonough County Labor Council and chairman of the McDonough County Democratic Central Committee. He was president of the Fellheimer Trust Committee of Wesley United Methodist Church and was president of the board of directors of the Wesley Foundation at WIU. He also served as a member of the Vestry of St. George's Episcopal Church and had completed chaplaincy training for Ministry on the River.
He was a 32nd degree Mason; and as a Rotarian, Cook was a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship Award.
Memorial gifts in honor of Bob Cook may be made to the WIU Foundation, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455-1390.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
Connect with us: