Former Belleville mayor Rodger Cook’s public service continues after his death
Rodger Cook, who served Belleville as both mayor and a police officer, will continue contributing to public service even after his death with the donation of his brain for head injury research affecting former football players.
Dallas Cook, a former Belleville city clerk, said his father died Saturday of a form of Alzheimer’s disease. He was 69 and passed away two days after his birthday.
Visitation for Rodger Cook will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Renner Funeral Home, 120 N. Illinois St., Belleville. No additional services are planned.
Cook’s brain is being donated to Boston University for research into whether he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. The Mayo Clinic describes CTE as “a brain disease likely caused by repeated head injuries” and has been common in former football players. It can only be diagnosed after death. Dallas Cook said his father played football and the family wants to determine if injuries sustained during his football career contributed to his death. They expect to receive results from Boston University in about a year.
Rodger Cook signed a one-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals football team in 1979 but did not make the final roster, according to his son.
He was a defensive lineman for Illinois State University and in 1978 received the Fred Cleland Award, which the college presents to a player who “best exemplified Cleland’s qualities and was an inspiration to the team.” Cleland died in 1970 following a neck injury suffered during football practice. Cook graduated from Belleville Township High School East in 1975 and played in the Illinois All-Star Football Game that same year, according to his obituary.
Cook served as Belleville mayor from 1993 to 1997.
“During his tenure, he worked tirelessly to improve city services and foster community development,” his obituary states. “His leadership left a lasting impact on the city he loved.” Before his term as mayor, Cook served as a city police officer. He was named Officer of the Year and served on the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis.
Cook lost his bid for re-election as mayor in 1997 to Mark Kern, who is now the St. Clair County Board chairman.
Cook later ran against Kern for the county board chairman seat in 2016 and also ran for a congressional seat, but was defeated in the 2012 Republican primary.
The St. Clair County Republican Party released a statement praising Cook for his service to the community.
Cook’s career included executive positions with area banks.
Survivors include his son, Dallas Cook, who served as city clerk from 2013 to 2017.
Family remembers
Dallas Cook described his father as someone who “wanted everybody to be happy.”
At family gatherings, you would find Rodger playing with his children or grandchildren.
“He loved to laugh and have fun,” Dallas Cook said. “He left quite a legacy of impact because of how much he cared about others.
“Whenever you would see him, no matter the circumstance or situation, he was the happiest, nicest guy in the world,” Dallas Cook said. “He never met a stranger. He didn’t care who you were or where you came from, he wanted to be everybody’s friend and he wanted everyone around him to be happy.
“He had a spirit of joy.”
This story was originally published December 12, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
