Elmer W. Cook, 91, passed away at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 29, 2012 at the Danville VA Illiana Health Care Center. A visitation will be held at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana, Monday, December 3, 2012 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Following the visitation will be a graveside service at 2:30 p.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana. Pastor Rich Gregory will officiate.

Mr. Cook was born March 2, 1921 in Urbana, Illinois to parents Jess and Cora Mae (Clark) Cook. He married Zoe Ann Thompson March 16, 1941 in Maplewood, Missouri. She preceded him in death on July 17, 2007.

Survivors include one son; David Cook, of St. Joseph, Illinois, two daughters; Carleen Flannigan, of Fort Worth, Texas, Cecelea Gaul, of Garland, Texas, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and two brothers.

A few years after marrying his beloved wife, Zoe, Elmer enlisted in the United States Navy to serve during WWII. After serving his country, he continued his work at the News-Gazette as a printer, where he worked for more than 47 years. After retiring, he pursued his interests, which included bowling, fishing, and spending time at his cabin on the Salt Fork River, near Homer, Illinois.

Mr. Cook attended Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church in Urbana. He was also a 52 year member of the V.F.W. and the Champaign-Urbana Typographical Union #444.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Champaign County Humane Society at https://www.cuhumane.org/Donate/MakeaDonation.aspx. Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.