Gary "Cookie" W. Cook Sr, 68, of Washington, crossed his final finish line on Monday, August 5, 2024, at OSF St. Francis in Peoria and is now racing through the heavens alongside his son, Gary Jr.

Gary was born in Pekin, IL on October 4, 1955, to the late Lester and Betty (Volk) Cook.

Surviving are his children, Lisa (Jacob) Cook Denney of Canton, IL and Cory Cook of Chillicothe, IL; his grandchildren, Dawson and Sophia Cook of Morton, IL; his half-sister, Shirley (Louie) Finley-Liberante; his step-sister, Teresa (John) Lock; his two step-brothers, Jerry (Linda) Bailey and Rick (Deb) Gaummer; and several nieces and nephews. Gary will be dearly missed by all of them.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Gary Cook Jr.; his brother, Leslie Lee Cook; his half-brother, Thomas Mobley; his half-sister, Sandra Mobley; two step-brothers, Wayne Bailey and James Gaumer; and two step-sisters, Gwynne Pirtle and Debra Halpin.

Gary spent his whole life leaving a mark everywhere he went. He wore many hats; outstanding sign maker, engine builder, and race car creator whose machines sped through tracks and hearts alike. Racing was his true passion. The  roar of engines and the thrill of the race ran through his veins- a love he proudly passed on to his son and grandson. Whether it's in the stands or behind the wheel Gary was a fixture in the racing community, he even achieved the Out House Award at Spoon River Speedway.

Gary's legacy isn't just about the things he built or the races he won; it is about the people he touched along the way. He was a friend who always showed up, the grandfather who lit up at the mention of Dawson and Sophia, the father who made Lisa, Cory, and the late Gary Jr. feel like they could conquer the world. To many he was a second father, a guiding hand, a steady shoulder to lean on, and a source of endless support, always there with a joke and a smile.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request memorial contributions may be made to the family.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at the VFW in Washington from 12:00-4:00 pm. To continue the celebration, an after-party will be held at Christy's Place in Washington. Where stories will be shared, laughs will be loud, and Gary's spirit will be undoubtedly felt.