Nathan A. Cooke

Nathan A. Cooke, 26, of Sherman died on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at 7:50 p.m. at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. He was born on March 16, 1980 in Springfield, IL, the son of Louis and Karole Lehmann Cooke. Nathan served as the Artistic Director and Producer for Muni First Night Shows for the past three years. Most recently he was employed as the Artistic Director and Producer for the Miss Illinois Pageant. He was active in the Hoogland Center for the Arts, where he was the Assistant Director of Jekyll & Hyde and appeared in Evita. He appeared in the Muni Opera productions of Titanic, Crazy For You, and Chorus Line. He was also the scenic designer and set artist for Beauty and the Beast as well as the set artist for Guys and Dolls. He also appeared in the Adventures of Tom Sawyer at Theater in the Park and at the Jacksonville Theater Guild where he appeared in Grease and was also the Set Assistant. He enjoyed the theater and the arts. He loved to sing and act, and was also an artist. He cherished spending time with his family and friends; especially his nieces and nephews. A talented, artistic and funny gentleman; Nathan will be remembered by all for his confidence, charismatic personality and positive out look on life. He was preceded in death by his father and his grandparents: Mary E. Lehmann and Louis and Margaret Cooke. He is survived by his mother: Karole (husband, Pat) Bell of Springfield; one grandfather: Keith Lehmann of Springfield; two sisters: Rhonda (husband, Chris) Carter of Williamsville and Rachelle (husband, Bob) Bartnick of St. Charles, MO; one brother Nicholas (wife, Mavis) Cooke of Springfield; nieces and nephews: Carmen Carter, Carissa Carter, Luke Bartnick, Jack Bartnick, Ava Cooke and Stefanie Vaughn; one step-mother: Kathy Cooke of Springfield; two step-brothers: Van and Brad Bell both of Springfield; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Cremation accorded by the Cremation Tribute Center, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 3, 2006 at Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. 6th St., Springfield. A Memorial Gathering will be held immediately following services. The family of Nathan A. Cooke is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.