Lawrence E. Cook

Lawrence Edwin Cook, of Galesburg, formerly of  Knoxville, died at 8:49 a.m. Friday, September 11, 2009 at OSF St. Mary’s Medical Center.    Lawrence was born August 24, 1920 to Lewis and Estella Mae Elkins Cook.  Lawrence was raised within the Young Hickroy Twp in Fulton County, south of London Mills.  He graduated from London Mills Community High School with the class of 1938.  He then became a resident of Knox County, and farmed in Maquon and Knoxville area for 50 years.  After retirement he moved to Galesburg.   He is survived by special friend and companion, Doris M. Ray, one brother, Earl Arthur (Evelyn) Cook of Knoxville, 4 nieces, Becky Shearer of Kirkwood, Kathy Snieder of rural Alexis, Barbara Woodkirk of Galesburg, and Debra Myers of Knoxville, one nephew, Steve Cook of California, and several cousins.   Lawrence served as a representative for 16 years for the Knox County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, representing Orange Twp, for 12 years was on the Knox County Board of Sponsorship’s representing District 5, and was a past officer, as well as member of the Knox County Sportsman Club of IL Rte. 116.  Lawrence was also a Past Master and a 50 year member of Pacific Lodge #66 AF & AM of Knoxville, a member of the Knoxville Chapter #880 Order of the Eastern Star for 50 years, a member of and past Excellent High Priest of Galesburg, chapter #46 for 50 years, a member of the Galesburg Commandery #88 for 50 years, a member of the Illinois Council #1 of Knoxville and Sword of Bunker Hill, and a 50 year member of the Valley of Peoria Consistory SPRS – 32nd degree Masons in Peoria.  He was also a member of the Board of Carver Community Action Agency in Galesburg, a past director and Chairman of the Board of Directors, representing the District of Spoon River Electric Co-op in Canton, a past director for the Illinois Electric Co-op board in Springfield and Western Illinois Power Co-op Board in Jacksonville.  He also served as a member of the Galesburg Board of Realtors and MLS Listing Service in Galesburg, retiring in 2008.   Lawrence will be remembered for his participation in the Knox County Tractor Pull and Swine Division of the Knox County Fair.  Also, he was a member and participated in the Old Fiddler’s Contest at the Newman Community Center, and the Abingdon Fall Festival.   Lawrence’s favorite hymns were “In the Garden” and Shall We Gather by the River.”   Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at Watson Funeral Home, Galesburg.  Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at Watson Funeral Home, with Masonic Services at 8 p.m. conducted by Pacific Lodge #66.  Burial will be East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.