Name: Visitation for William L. "Bill" Cook Jr.
Start: 2024-11-23T15:30:00.000Z
End: 2024-11-23T17:30:00.000Z
Location: Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory - Ballwin

William L. "Bill" Cook, Jr.

November 15, 2024

Manchester, Missouri - Cook, Jr., William L. "Bill", entered into rest, Friday, November 15, 2024.

Beloved husband of Charmaine Cook (nee Zamenski) for 44 years; devoted father of Lisa (Jake) Tanner, Heather (Leland) Martin, Lori (Edward) Schrader, and Will (Sarah) Cook, III; cherished grandfather of Chase (Alexandria) Freeman, James Martin, Abigail Martin, Christian Martin, Sadie Cook, and Sophia Cook; dear brother of Sally E. (Jim Kallas) Lemee, Sandy (the late Dan) Sowa; dearest of uncles, cousin and friend to many.

Bill was born to William L. Cook, Sr., a retired Air Force Colonel, and E. Sue (nee Patterson) Cook in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Due to his father's career Bill traveled the world and graduated high school at H.H. Arnold High School in Wiesbaden, Germany. Bill went on to get his BA in RTF Broadcasting at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. He met his wife while they were working together at WIBV radio in Belleville, Illinois. Bill loved music and he was an accomplished piano player. He was a very compassionate person who loved everyone, and his legacy is in the sweet memories he left us and in the many lives he touched.

Bill's family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of Garden View Care Center, Dougherty Ferry for their loving and supportive care.

Services: Memorial visitation at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:30 a.m. Interment Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Illinois. If desired, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Belleville News-Democrat from Nov. 17 to Nov. 20, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for William Cook

Sponsored by Belleville News-Democrat.

11 Entries

Jack Cook

November 25, 2024

Bill was my cousin, one son of one of four successful scions of Sumrall, MS. Our life’s overlaps were brief, but the memories are burned in. He was wonderful. He was graduating college while I was still in grade school and we spent weeks together at Grandma’s. I remember the laughs and how he could project the voice of God to a child’s ears. My thoughts are with Bill’s family, Sally, and Sandy.

Gregory Adler

November 23, 2024

I work at the nursing home that Bill resided at. He was the absolute best. He was very caring, extremely friendly, and outgoing. The best thing about him was the quick witted sense of humor. It was something. He also had a great smile. Him and I LOVED to tease each other. So many laughs and so many good memories. In less than a year, Bill became a favorite among many staff members. He will be deeply missed. My deepest condolences to Charmaine, Lori, and the rest of the family. Bill loved you all very much. It was an absolute pleasure to know you guys and I wish you all the best. Bill is at peace and no longer suffering. Please take comfort in that. May Bill´s memory be a blessing. May he rest in peace. I´ll miss ya Bill. So long buddy.

Elizabeth Carroll

November 21, 2024

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Elaine Lomax

November 18, 2024

He was the nicest person I’ve ever got to work with..we work together at Famous Barr in Chesterfield Mall..his love of Barry White was our go conversation and his love for his wife Charmaine was the topic of our conversations..plus our birthdays are a week apart is how I found looking up his name..You have my heartfelt condolences..I loved Bill..what a pleasure to have known him

Annelise Boes

November 18, 2024

I grew up on Mauteen in Manchester, and our house was directly behind Mr. Cook’s. Even as a kid, he was one of my most favorite people. I’d run down the hill to sit with him and Mrs. Cook on their patio many evenings. They were such kind neighbors, always welcoming and patient with this snot-nosed six-year-old next door.

Mr. Cook had the spirit of a child—always full of laughter, jokes, and joy. I’ll never forget our “light games,” flickering our patio lights back and forth with him. He genuinely had a gift for making people smile.

Years later, I ran into him at Schnucks in Town and Country. He recognized me instantly, and that brief encounter made my entire year.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Charmaine and the entire family. Mr. Cook was truly one of the nicest, most wonderful people I’ve ever known, and his memory will always bring a smile to my face.

The Knirr Family

Tom Calhoun

November 18, 2024

While we had lost touch in recent years, Bill was a wonderful friend and fellow employee of myself and wife Barb at WIBV radio in Belleville. Bill and Charmaine were also friends away from the workplace. Bill was always energetic and ready for a good time, no matter the place or situation. His personality lit up the radio in the times he was on-the-air. And the same can be said for almost anytime you were in his company. Our deepest condolences to Charmaine and all those close to Bill.

Jack Le Chien

November 18, 2024

I worked with Bill "Cricket" Cook and his wife Charmaine at WIBV for several years. Bill was a DJ and used a metal cricket as the signal for listeners to call the station for free tickets or whatever else we had in the give-away barrel. He had a keen sense of humor, was a true gentleman and had the good looks to be a male model. Rest in peace my friend. I'll always have pleasant memories of our time working together.

Sandy Beimfohr

November 18, 2024

Bill lived next door to us when we moved to Chenot Place in Belleville...sorry that we lost touch. Such a nice family.

Mick and Jane Hoepfinger

November 18, 2024

Oh my.... I remember Bill well!!!I´ll always remember when he came over at dinner time and played the piano while we ate dinner. I also recall him answering our front door as our butler too. Never forget his infectious laughter.
May his memory fill every heart that is saddened today
Mick and Jane Hoepfinger

Janice ligon

November 17, 2024

So sorry to hear about cousin Bill, haven't seen him in years and have missed the pleasure...cousin Dexter Patterson has just given the news...please accept condolences from my family Janice Ligon, Suzanne Gilbert daughter, Alpharetta, Ga.

Dawn H

November 17, 2024

I remember when Bill would visit his mother at the Retirement Community and play the piano...Always a smile on his face. He was such a great son to Sue. Thank you Bill for sharing your talents with us.

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