Orval Lee Cook, age 83, of McLeansboro, Illinois, and formerly of Flora, passed away at 12:35 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Nature Trail Health and Rehab Center in Mt. Vernon.
He was born November 15, 1940, in Clay County, to Dorothy Mae (Lamb) Cook and Leroy Cook. He graduated from Flora Township High School in 1960. He worked on the family farm until he joined the U.S. Army, spending the majority of his service at Colorado’s Fort Carson Army post. He was honorably discharged with the rank of SP4/E-4 (T) on September 30, 1969.
Orval married Janice Marie (Draper) Toon Devor on November 26, 1969, and welcomed her two daughters as his own. During their 20 years of marriage they had three children, Timothy Lee Cook (Emily) of Cheswick, Pennsylvania, Edward Eugene Cook who passed away in his first year, and Julia Marie Cook Hufnagel (Marc) of Murphysboro. Though this relationship was not permanent, they remained friends and continued to co-parent their children. Janice assisted with his care in his final years at home.
He spent many years working at Sparton Manufacturing in Flora and Roadmaster in Olney. Upon retiring, he spent his days building bikes for his grandchildren, teaching them the basics of auto and home repair, and the art of fishing.
He was preceded in passing by his parents, Dorothy Mae and Leroy Cook; his son, Edward Eugene Cook; a brother, Jerry Edward Cook; a sister-in-law, Shelby Cook; a brother-in-law, Richard “Duff” Duffina; a niece, Cathy Anderson Sexton; a nephew, Michael Anderson; and a great-great-grandson, Sebastian Jordan.
He is survived by his daughters, Terry Lynn Toon Greenwood (Wes) of Flora, Marjorie Ann Workman of McLeansboro, his son, Timothy Lee Cook (Emily) of Cheswick, Pennsylvania, and his daughter, Julia Marie Cook Hufnagel (Marc) of Murphysboro; a brother, Richard Cook of Flora; two sisters, Corrina Songer of Flora and Theresa Taylor (the late James) of Clay City; 19 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was a simple man who enjoyed helping others in need. He truly loved his family.
Per his request, his remains will be cremated, and a small family memorial service will be held at the gravesite at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Xenia, beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 9, 2024. Military funeral honors will be presented, and interment will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the children have requested that those who would like to consider a memorial in his honor may do so by planting a tree or making a donation towards expenses incurred. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
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