Harold Dean Cook

Harold Dean Cook, 83, of Marion, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Eugene Sloan and Rev. Jim Rutherford officiating. Burial will be at Egyptian Memorial Gardens in Energy.

Memorial contributions can be made to the First Apostolic Church of Carterville or to Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Dean was born on January 13, 1943, in Carterville, to the Beulah Marie (Robinson) and Rev. Harry Otis “H.O.” Cook. He married Ferrell Rae (Vinyard) Killman on August 19, 1972, in Carterville.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ferrell Cook; sister, Frances Cook; grandchildren, Chrystal Killman, Amanda (Ryan) Woodard, and Jeffrey Dean Killman; great-grandchildren, Nevaeh and Logan Woodard; daughter-in-law, Patti Killman; a brother-in-law, three sisters-in-law; plus several nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

Dean was preceded in death by his son, Kelly Killman; parents; brother, William (Mary) Cook Sr.; sisters, Helen Cook, Rev. Dorothy Cook, Betty Jean (Chester) Collett, and Marilouise (Robert) Shanahan; in-laws, Ray and Cleotis Vinyard; and two nephews.

He began his career in construction working alongside his nephew. Dean later branched out on his own, working alongside his son, Kelly, and later grandson, Jeffrey, continuing in the construction business from 1963 until 2020.

Dean was a faithful member of the First Apostolic Church of Carterville. He enjoyed walking and riding his bike, but his faith in the Lord, reading the Bible daily, and spending time with his wife, grandchildren, and family were the most important parts of his life.

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