About
Donald Cooke Obituary
Born May 27, 1947 in Shelby to Walter and Aila (McFarland) Cooke, he had been a Shelby resident the majority of his life. A 1965 graduate of Shelby High School, Don had proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. As a very hard worker he took pride in his work. He was employed with the Shelby Autocall, and had his design plan for a fire alarm system that was installed in the Pentagon. Don had also worked in maintenance at Carton Service until 2012.
A member of the American Legion Post #326, he enjoyed playing the piano and rooting for The Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland sports teams.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Janice "Jinx" (King) Cooke whom he wed on May 28, 1982; four children Lori (Fred) Ashworth of Glenolden, Pennsylvania, Lisa Turpin of Huber Heights, Wayne (Christina) Cooke of Dayton and Craig (Kelly) Cooke of Fairview Park, OH; nine grandchildren, several great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Crystal Cooke in 2012; and two siblings, Arlen Sutter and Harold Cooke.
Per the family's wishes, visitation will not be observed. A private graveside service will be held in Oakland Cemetery.
Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the family with arrangements.
In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Richland County Joint Veteran Burial Detail at PO Box 431, Mansfield, OH 44901.
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2 Entries
Nicole Marston Hanson
August 6, 2025
Don lived up the road from us. We never spent much time with him but I remember him as a quiet guy, who helped his parents. We graduated in the same class1965, at Shelby High School.
I learned of his passing when I received a list from a classmate. RIP Don!
Nicole Marston Hanson
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John R. Sawyer III
June 8, 2024
Meeting Don at an Autocall Sales Conference in OH. Due to his knowledge of fire alarm systems, etc., I had Don many more years older than me than just 7 years. My father John Sr. thought the world of Don. He will be deeply missed.
John R. Sawyer III
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33 N Gamble St PO Box 644, Shelby, OH 44875
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