Danny “Joe” Cook, 62 of Zionsville, Indiana entered eternal rest on February 10, 2023. He was affectionately known as Peanut, or Uncle Joe to almost everyone who knew him. Born on December 2, 1960, in Welch, West Virginia to Theodore and Edith Cook, he was the youngest of 10 children. Born with Down Syndrome, in 1960, his parents were not given a lot of hope he would be able to care for himself or participate in any real activities. That was the start of many times Joe exceeded expectations. Not only was he able to care for his own basic needs, but he also attended school, became an athlete, and made friends wherever he went. Despite developing heart failure, he lived many years beyond the life expectancy for Downs and his heart condition.
The family moved to Virginia in 1965 and lived in Barhamsville, Va for many years where he enjoyed growing up close to many nieces and nephews, playing basketball, coloring, playing guitar, and big Sunday family dinners. When his mother’s health began to fail he moved in with his sister, Tessie, and lived in Farmville, Va. until her death. While there, Joe became involved in Special Olympics. In 2005, he attended the National Special Olympics in Ames, Iowa representing Virginia and medaling in track. He also drew the artwork that would be the National Special Olympic Christmas card.
After the loss of his sister in 2009, he moved to Zionsville, Indiana with his niece, Lori (Joe), and her family. There he continued to enjoy participating in Special Olympics, competing in Track & Field, Bowling, and Basketball. He won many medals including one as a member of the State Championship Basketball team in 2016 for his division. He enjoyed cheering on his great-niece Emily in cheer competitions, and his nephews Frank and Robert in baseball, teammates for all would fondly call him Uncle Joe. He continued to play his guitar, color pictures for everyone and loved dancing at any event he could. He also enjoyed watching Dark Shadows or Westerns, especially Bonanza, and Gunsmoke.
He is survived by his brothers Ricky (Terri) Cook of Providence Forge, Ted (Wanda) Cook of Richmond Va., and Lewis Cook of Williamsburg, Va., and a sister Betty (Clinton) Lester of Ohio. sister-in-law Etta Sue Cook of Lynchburg Va, and brother-in-law Buzz Mace of Williamsburg, 6 nephews, 13 nieces and numerous great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Edith Cook, his brothers Aldon C. Cook, and Edward L. Cook, sisters Janie Mace, and Tessie Utterback, and his nephew Edward L. Cook, Jr, and niece Stephanie Irwin and great niece Emily R. Del Vecchio.
Arrangements are being handled by Simplicity Funeral and Cremation Care in Zionsville, Indiana and by Vincent Funeral Home, Providence Forge, Virginia. The family will receive friends from 11a-1pm Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Christ Community Church, Toano, Virginia. Funeral Services will immediately follow at the church and conclude with a graveside service at 230pm. He will be laid to rest with his parents in Williamsburg Memorial Park. Memorial contributions in Joe’s memory may be sent to Boone County Special Olympics P.O. Box 485 Lebanon, IN 46052.
