Patrick "Pat" J Cook, Jr.

Pat stepped away on Oct. 1, 2022, at the age of 92, having been born Jan. 8, 1930 in St. Louis, MO. He had been a Belleville, IL resident for over 60 years.

After graduation from Dupo High School in 1948, Pat was inducted into the U. S. Army in 1951, where he served two years active duty and six years inactive reserves. During the two years of active duty, 1951-1953, he served as a member of Company A, 720 ^th Military Police Battalion. Engaging in that Battalions historic civilian and military policing of U. S. occupied, Tokyo, Japan. For that tour of duty, Pat was awarded the Korean service ribbon, the United Nations service ribbon, and the 720 ^th Battalion excellent service commendation certificate and good conduct medal.

In 2010, Pat wrote a 90 page, copyrighted, booklet, detailing that historical period from his own “boots on the ground” perspective. Copies of that booklet were placed in the U. S. Army Military Police Museum at Fort Leonard Wood, MO and in the 720th Military Police Battalion Museum at Fort Hood, TX. The booklet is also featured on the website of the 720 ^th M. P. Battalion Reunions Association at Gilbert, SC.

For over 65 years, Pat was an active member of Local Union 309 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He served on many appointive or elective offices and committees, including Local Union 309 vice president, and recording secretary.

In 1960, Pat was granted a four-year leave of absence from Ameren to serve as full-time Local Union 309 business manager and financial secretary. For many years, Pat was a member and chairman of the Local Union 309 Labor Day parade committee. He marched in many of the parades as “Big Bird” or “Winnie the Pooh.”

Pat returned to Ameren in 1965, where he retired in 1994, with 42 years as a lineman or trouble man. At Ameren, Pat was often job steward and a member of safety and or contract negotiating committees and the construction and trouble departments. On several occasions, Pat was appointed by Ameren management to serve as Ameren’s three month “loaned executive” to the annual United Way Fund drive.

Pat was a 60+ year member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Belleville, where at times, he was a Mass commentator and usher.

He and his wife Janice were both founding members of the Queen of Peace Athletic Association and coached boys’ and girls’ sports teams. Mr. Cook, also, coached teams in the West Belleville Khoury League and several times was an umpire and coordinator.

At about age 35, Pat became an avid cross country and track runner, and until age 50, successfully, competed in age group, A.A.V. sponsored track meets around the country.

Pat was preceded in passing by his wife, Janice, who was for 65 years, the “wind beneath his and all the family’s wings.

“Papa Pat” and “Gram” his wife, Janice, lived their years of retirement devoted to the well being of their five children, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Missing their very close and loving relationship with their Papa, will be his grandchildren and great grandchildren, Bridget and Michael Cook, Jenny Rowlett, Megan Burns, Patrick Jeff and Sarah Lovell, Aaron Lovell, Delaney and Dawson Tull. Papa will also be missed by sons, Patrick (Kathy), Kenny, Mark, Christopher and daughter, Susan Lovell Junk.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, 305 S. Illinois, Belleville, IL 62220. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting mollfuneralhome.com

Funeral: A memorial Mass will be held 1 PM Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 5923 N. Belt West, Belleville, IL 62223. A private family burial will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.