Thomas A. Cook

Born and raised in Belleville, Tom was the son of Arthur and Erna (Bauer) Cook. It was here he met and married his high school sweetheart, Sandra "Sandi" Chastain, on January 25, 1964. Together they built a beautiful life and family in the town they called home.

Also surviving are their children, Dawn L. Cook of Belleville, IL, Kimberly K. Cook (David Starich) of Belleville, IL, Connie K. Cook of St. Louis, MO, Molly A. Cook of Glendale, UT, and daughter-in-law, Laura Loehr of Belleville, IL; granddaughters, Madeline Graham, Josephine “Josie” Graham, Devin Cook, Katy Graham and Lauren (Joe) Ferrera, great-grandsons, Aiden and Anthony Ferrera; and his dear sister, Janet (Roger) Schloemann of Swansea, IL; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Erna Cook; his beloved son, Matthew T. Cook; and infant grandson, Nicholas Cook.

A dedicated Fire Fighter, Tom proudly served as engineer for the Belleville Fire Department Local 53 for 37 years, retiring honorably as Captain Thomas Cook in 2008. Throughout his career, he was respected for his dedication to his job and championed for his fellow fire fighters union benefits and working conditions for future generations. Tom knew the fire trucks like the back of his hand, and took great pride in their meticulous care, as he did with everything mechanical.

He attended Cathedral High School, and was always a “car guy,” a member of the club, the Gear Jammers, drag-raced cars, and as a hobby, he built and restored many cars and motorcycles in his lifetime. He enjoyed long-distance motorcycle trips with friends and Sandi. When Tom wasn’t working or riding, he was tinkering around the house and yard and spending time with his family and beloved dogs. He also had a witty, dry sense of humor and loved to have a laugh.

He was a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Blues, cheering them on faithfully through every season. Tom also had a special place in his heart for animals, especially the many dogs he and Sandi rescued throughout the years.

Above all, Tom cherished his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend whose strength, humor, and steady but quiet presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His family was the center of his world, and the love he gave them will remain forever in their hearts.

Tom’s legacy of service, hard work, loyalty, and love will never be forgotten.

A memorial visitation for Tom will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 9:30 A.M.- 11:00 A.M. at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

A memorial service will begin at 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home with final interment at Valhalla Gardens of Memory.

Memorial donations may be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society bahspets.org and Hospice of Southern Illinois.