Rodger Cook

Rodger Clark Cook, 69, of Ruma, IL, passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Born on December 4, 1956, in East St. Louis, IL, Rodger lived a life marked by service, leadership, and a deep commitment to his community.

Rodger graduated from Belleville Township High School East in 1975, where he was a standout football player. His athletic talent earned him a place in the prestigious Illinois All-Star Football Game that same year. He continued his education at Illinois State University in Normal, where he continued his football career and was awarded the prestigious Fred Cleland Award in 1979, and later attended McKendree College in Lebanon, IL.

Rodger’s passion for football extended beyond his school years. He played professionally with the St. Louis Cardinal Football Team and later gave back to the sport by coaching youth through the Belleville Little Knights Football program. His dedication to mentoring young athletes reflected his belief in teamwork and perseverance.

Following his athletic career, Rodger embarked on a distinguished path in law enforcement and public service. He served with honor on the Belleville Police Department, where he was recognized as Police Officer of the Year. His expertise led him to serve with the St. Louis Major Case Squad, contributing to high-profile investigations across the region.

Rodger’s commitment to civic duty culminated in his election as Mayor of the City of Belleville from 1993 to 1997. During his tenure, he worked tirelessly to improve city services and foster community development. His leadership left a lasting impact on the city he loved.

In addition to public service, Rodger held executive roles in banking as Vice President of Correspondent Banking at both Magna Bank and First National Bank of St. Louis. Later in his career, he provided security services at Prairie State Power Plant in Marissa, IL.

Rodger was deeply rooted in his Catholic faith and carried an unwavering optimism throughout life. Those who knew him remember him as a happy person who chose to see the good in life regardless of what he faced, a quality that inspired many around him.

He is lovingly remembered by his children, his son, Dallas (Erica) Cook; his daughter, Taylor (Will) Cox; seven grandchildren, Jack, Boston, Cash and Jayda Cook and Grayson, Charlie, and Liam Cox. He is also survived by his sisters, Kennetha “Keni” (Dennis) Bishop and Ronda Williams; a brother, Ronald (Amy) Cook Jr.; a step-brother, Glenn Kenser; sister-in-law, Pamela Shadwick; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; and great-nieces and nephews.

Rodger was preceded in death by his mother, Vera "Maxine" Divine Shadwick Cook; his father, Ronald Cook Sr.; a brother, Macks Dale Shadwick; a sister, Terry Lou Shadwick Piffner; a niece, Katrina Lynn Schwann; his brother-in-law, Rodney Williams; his step-sister, Darlene Kenser; and a step-brother, Quient Kenser.

Rodger’s legacy lives on through the many lives he touched—as an athlete, officer, mayor, mentor, colleague, friend, father, grandfather, and brother. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire acts of kindness and service within the community he so faithfully served.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that memorials be made to the family in care of Dallas Cook. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, December 12, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Obit Provided By:
Renner Funeral Home