Albert John Cook, age 80, died Tuesday July 8, 2014. He was born Sept. 18, 1933 in Tonica, Ill. to Lewis and Anne (Bruch) Cook.

Al grew up near LaSalle, IL, where the family farmed. Al joined the U.S. Army and served in Germany during the Korean War, where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal (Germany). After fulfilling his military duties, he returned to farming and raising livestock in central Illinois. In 1971, Al moved to Oklahoma and started Gulfco Industries with an Army buddy, manufacturing oil field equipment. After retiring from Gulfco in 1984, he opened Mustang Tire & Auto until his second retirement in 2002.  Al was a 33 degree Freemason and active member of the American Legion for 53 years.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, sister Shirley, and brother Richard.

He is survived by his wife, Paula of 39 years; his children, Cindy Cook, Peggy and husband Steve Byerly, David and wife Beth Cook, Angie and husband Conrad Caldwell and Michael Cook; 11 grandchildren and numerous cousins from central Illinois.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 14, at McNeil’s Mustang Funeral Service. Online condolences may be made at www.mcneilsmustangfs.com.