Charles was born on June 29, 1943, in Clay City, IL, the son of Elmer L. and Viola M. Rudder Cook. He married Marilyn Blaylock on September 12, 1965, in Decatur.
Charles earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering at SIU Carbondale. He worked as a design engineer at Caterpillar in Decatur. In his younger years, he enjoyed scuba diving, particularly wreck diving in the Great Lakes. He liked going to dirt track races. Charles enjoyed traveling with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Cook of Springfield; one son, David Charles (wife, April) Cook of Chatham; one daughter, Susan Hansen of Springfield; and four grandchildren, Jessica and Peyton Cook and Seth and Carissa Hansen.
Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.
A Memorial Ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
