Thomas Cook

Mr. Thomas Cook, age 61, died Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011, at Ogeechee Area Hospice in Statesboro, Ga. Born in Rock Island, Ill., Mr. Cook worked as a family therapist in the Iowa-Illinois quad-city area for almost 30 years. He received his bachelor's degree in Sociology from Western Illinois University in 1972 and his master of arts in child, family and community services from Sangamon State University in 1982. He taught psychology at Eastern Iowa Community College, Black Hawk College and Riverdale High School.
In addition to his career as a social worker and supervisor of a group home for troubled adolescents, Mr. Cook wrote more than 100 songs. He recorded and performed folk-rock music with his longtime friend, Pat Kirby, and their band, Catseye, until his diagnosis with Huntington's disease in 2003.
Mr. Cook was preceded in death by his parents, Velma and DeWayne Cook; and his brother, Rodney Cook of Moline, Ill.
He is survived by his sister, Dixie Aubrey, and partner, Laura Milner, of Statesboro, Ga.; sister-in-law, Barbara Cook of Moline, Ill.; daughter, Nicole Cook Lambrecht, and husband, Kerry, and grandchildren, Lucas, Logan and Lauren Lambrecht, all of Moline, Ill.; nephews, Josh Aubrey of Statesboro, Ga., David Aubrey and Chris Aubrey of Nashville, Tenn., Brian Cook of Chicago, Ill., and Jon Cook of Moline, Ill.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in Rock Island, Ill.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Ogeechee Area Hospice, 200 Donehoo Street, Statesboro, GA 30458.
Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home in Statesboro is in charge of arrangements.

Statesboro Herald, December 2, 2011
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