John Eric Cook

John Eric Cook, 63, of rural Sciota, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, October 25, 2025. He was born February 1, 1962, in Macomb, Illinois, to Dean J. and Phyllis R. (Combs) Cook. John was a 1980 graduate of Northwestern High School, where he was a proud Huskie. He attended Western Illinois University before returning to the family farm near Sciota, where he expanded the operation to include a Burrus Seed dealership. On July 14, 1984, John married Elizabeth Anne Cooper at Wesley United Methodist Church in Macomb. Together they built a loving family and shared a life grounded in faith, hard work, and community. John was deeply involved in his community, serving on the Good Hope–Sciota Fire Department, the Sciota and Farmers Grain Elevator Boards, the West Prairie School Board, and several church committees. He was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan and found joy in many hobbies-riding his Harley-Davidson Road Glide motorcycle, "Jeeping," shooting pool, repairing 8-track tapes, and restoring vintage Lawn-Boy mowers. Above all, John treasured time spent with his grandchildren, who knew him as their beloved "Papa." John will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his devotion to family, and his dedication to continuing his parents' legacy of caring for the land. He was preceded in death by his parents. Surviving are his wife, Elizabeth; two sons, Clayton (Sarah) Cook of Good Hope and Dylan (Jill) Cook of Sciota; and three cherished grandchildren, Oliver David, Elise Renae, and Carson John. Also surviving are two sisters, Claudia (Bruce) Winterrowd of Springfield, Illinois, and Anita (Steve) Bradley of Cantrall, Illinois; nephews Adam and Ben Winterrowd; niece Rachel (Logan) Cox; and many cousins and dear friends. Funeral services will be at 10:00 am Friday October 31, 2025 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Macomb. Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Thursday October 30, 2025 at Wesley United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Good Hope Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Good Hope – Sciota Fire Protection or to the Blandinsville Farmer's Picnic. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.dodsworthfh.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John, please visit our floral store.