Richard Leroy Cook, age 86, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Thursday afternoon, January 22, 2026, at Clay County Hospital.

      He was born on February 25, 1939, in Stanford Township, Clay County, the son of Leroy and Dorothy Mae (Lamb) Cook.  On February 14, 1969, he married Shelby Jean Yowell in Reading, Pennsylvania, and together they shared a life of love, celebrating 52 wedding anniversaries.  Shelby passed away on October 22, 2021.

      Richard proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged after four years as a base mechanic in Dover, Delaware.  That steady, hands-on skill stayed with him throughout his working life.  After his military service, he continued as an airplane mechanic in Pennsylvania and Illinois, later putting his experience to use in farm work and the oil fields, retiring from Dowell.

      Outside of work, Richard enjoyed watching NASCAR and following the Chicago Bears.  He was interested in military history and enjoyed watching a wide range of historical documentaries.  Together, Richard and Shelby were longtime members of the Harter Township Fishing Club, where he served as president and spent many hours enjoying time at Trago Lake.

      He is survived by his children: Richard (Lesa) Cook Jr. of Flora and Joe (Karen) Anderson of Flora; a son-in-law: Ron Sexton of Flora; 15 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and 2 sisters: Corrina Songer of Flora and Theresa Taylor of Clay City.

      He was preceded in passing by his parents; wife; a daughter: Cathy Sexton; a son: Mike Anderson; 2 great-grandchildren; and 2 brothers: Orval Lee Cook and Jerry Edward Cook.

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora, with Chuck Buchanan officiating.  Military funeral honors will be presented at the funeral home.  Interment will follow in Orchard Hill Cemetery, Louisville.  A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to Clay County Hospice or the Clay County Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry, and these will be accepted by the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com