Kenneth W. Cook

Kenneth W. Cook, 78, of Orion, Illinois, passed Thursday, March 5, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his family.

Graveside services at the Rock Island National Cemetery will be announced in the near future. Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, Illinois, under the direction of Cremation Society of the Quad Cities. Memorials may be made to the Orion American Legion Post #255.

Kenneth Wayne Cook was born December 21, 1947, in Moline, Illinois, the son of Chester and Isabelle (Vaughn) Cook. He graduated from United Township High School and immediately joined the United States Army. After returning home, he began working for United before deciding to switch careers to truck driving with Yellow Freight. Kenneth dedicated more than 40 years to the road before retiring in 2010.

Kenneth was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Orion and Orion American Legion Post #255. He married Lori Lynn Rutledge on August 1, 1987, at the Little Brown Church, and together they built a beautiful life. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and spending time with them. It was with his family that he earned many nicknames, including Papa, Cookie, and a few others that we won’t mention. He also enjoyed NASCAR, the St. Louis Cardinals, and traveling to new places. Kenneth had a gift for making people smile; whether through a joke, his ornery nature, or his politically incorrect humor. He was often the light of the room and will be deeply missed.

Kenneth is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Lori Cook of Orion, Illinois; his children, Kenneth (Lauren) Cook Jr. of Orion, Illinois, Nichole (Ian Frazee) Cook of Cleveland, Illinois, and Robin (Neil) Kelly of Rock Island, Illinois; his grandchildren, Parker, Kemper, Ryker, Sophia, Emma, Eleanor, J.D., Charlotte, and Sydney; one great-grandchild; his brother, Jim (Mary) Cook; his sisters, Maggie Butterfield and Candy (Bill) Tolmie; his brothers-in-law, David (Kerie) Rutledge and Allen (Shelly) Rutledge; and his sisters-in-law, Cheryl (Steve) Ward and Wendy (Rick) Marver. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Duke and Joe Cook; and his brother-in-law, Gary (Michelle) Rutledge.

Condolences may be shared at CremationQC.com.