Lee H. Cook, 69, of Assumption, died September 1, 2022, in his home.

Funeral Mass will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 7, 2022 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Assumption.  Visitation will be from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., prior to service time.  Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

 

Lee was born on October 23, 1952 in Taylorville, IL, the son of Homer W. and Mary (Spaulding) Cook.  He married Joyce Minor on April 28, 1990 in Cairo, IL.  She survives.

 

Surviving are his wife, Joyce; son, Kent (Kim) Cook of Goodyear, AZ; daughter, Crystal (Mark) Cook-Young of Pana, IL; grandchildren: Vincent Cook of Stonington, IL and Mickayla Cook of Taylorville, IL; two great-grandchildren; brother, William (Marina) Cook of Fuquay Varina, NC; and sisters: Sue (Leroy) Bozarth of Rochester, IL, Cheryl (Dyke) Foster of Pana, IL, and Tena (Kimble) Koontz of Moweaqua, IL; sister-in-law, Marilou Cook; as well as many nieces and nephews.

 

Lee was a1971 graduate of Assumption High School, a graduate of St. Mary’s School and a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  He delighted thousands of children since the mid 1980’s as Santa, starting out with family and close friends.  Over the years his generosity expanded to include coworkers and their families, The Humpty Dumpty Day Care of Decatur, Assumption Fire Department, Warrensburg Fire Department, the Assumption Optimist Club (now the Knights of Columbus) and Decatur Memorial Hospital.

 

As a past member of Hi-Way Riders Motorcycle Club of Central Illinois, Lee was a “personal” Santa  for a specific needy family for 3 to 4 years.  He and the Hi-Way Riders were involved in many benefits and charitable events, including a yearly event for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, in memory of Tom “Yamaha” Adermann.  The Hi-Way Riders and Lee also held a yearly benefit for both, the local Food Pantry and Toys for Tots, for several years.  Lee is a fourth Degree Knight and a Past Grand Knight for the Assumption Knights of Columbus Council 1026.

 

Lee has been a Make-A-Wish volunteer and was instrumental in making wishes come true for several terminally ill children in the area.  One special little girl by the name of Annie, stole his heart.  He has been involved in numerous benefits for her, and up until he got sick, he had only missed one of her birthday parties since she was 3 years old. She is now 21.

 

Lee has volunteered with the Emergency Chaplains Corps and “New York Says Thank You” after 911.  With them, he went to Greensburg, KS, Little Sioux, IA, and Mena, AR to help build various Community Centers and Chapels.

 

Lee is a member of the Elks Club, the Eagles Club, the Moose Club and the Moose Legion, and the Knights of Columbus.

 

Lee was a devoted husband, brother, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, and a friend to just about anyone in need.

 

Preceding him in death are his parents; one grandchild; and brother, Bob Cook. 

Seitz Funeral Home, Assumption has been entrusted with the care and service arrangements.  Condolences for the family may be left at www.seitzfh.com .