Mr. Robert D. Hook, 92, of Galesburg, Illinois passed away peacefully at 12:45 pm Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at his home.
Bob was born October 2, 1931, in Henderson Township, Knox County Illinois in the family home. He was one of fifteen children born to James Milton and Carrie F. (Meador) Hook. He married Donna Lee Vermillion on June 29, 1952, in Herman, Illinois. After 40 years of marriage, she preceded him in death on February 4, 1993.
Left to cherish Bob’s memories are his daughters, Debora (John) Hagan of Galesburg and Sharon Bowman of Kalamazoo, Michigan; two brothers, John (and Bonnie) Hook of Texas and David (and Doris) Hook of Burlington, Iowa; his sister, Donna Gray of Abingdon; three grandsons, John Leo Hagan, Wyatt Lee Hagan and Cameron Jay Bowman and a bonus grandson, Matt Gohlinghorst.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, six brothers, James, Howard, Herbert, Leonard, Henry, and Jesse Hook and five sisters, Eddie Lee Schisler, Ella Hook, Bessie Deppe, Bettie Phipps, and Anna Homer.
Bob was raised in rural Herman and graduated from Abingdon High School. After graduation he served in the US Army from 1952-1954 as Pvt First Class. Upon returning home, Bob drove a feed truck for the Galesburg Livestock Sales. He later began working for Gates Rubber Company as an assembler, he retired after 30 years.
Bob was a member and served as past president of the Evening Lions Club and was a member of the American Legion Post #285.
Bob had a deep love for trains. So much that he purchased a second home next to the train tracks on Peck Street (Peck Park), that was referred to as the “Train House” or later fondly called the “Railfan House”. This house is located where two lines intersect, one east-west, one north-south and is known far and wide as a location for train watching. Bob bought this home and added a large deck and a live cam, with the sole purpose of having a place for train lovers to watch the trains.
Bob was a faithful member of the First Christian Church serving as a deacon and a member of the board of trustees. Bob enjoyed picking up and dropping off those needing a ride to church on Sunday mornings. He also had a soft heart for stray cats, feeding and providing outside shelter for them for many years.
Visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 pm Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Graveside services and Military Honors will be 10:00 am Monday, February 5, 2024, at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens with Pastor Fitch officiating. Memorials may be made to the family to continue Bob’s legacy supporting the Rail House, with checks written to Debora Hagan. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com
