Phillip Cook

Phillip James Cook, 34, of Champaign, IL, passed away at 12:46 a.m. Monday, September 22, 2014, at Presence Covenant Medical Center, Urbana, IL. Visitation will be 3:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday, September 27, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL, with a short service to follow. Phillip was born September 19, 1980, in Decatur, the son of Gary James and Sheree Mae (Veech) Cook. Phillip's home was at Walter Lawson Children's Home in Loves Park, IL. He then lived at Swann Special Care Center, Champaign, IL. Phillip participated in the Special Olympics wheelchair races, where he won several gold medals, brought smiles to everyone, and always had a giggle. Surviving are his mother Sheree M. Shafer of Decatur, IL; father Gary J. Cook and wife Lana Smith of Decatur, IL; brother Andrew J. Cook and wife Lisa of Montgomery, IL; maternal grandparents Cleve and Betty Talkington of Decatur, IL; uncle Bill and wife Sandy Veech of Oreana, IL; aunts Candy Winholtz of Decatur, IL, Janice Veech of Edina, MN, and Donna Kwasnik and husband Peter of Oreana, IL, uncle Mike Cook of Decatur, IL; and several cousins. Phillip was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, maternal grandfather, and cousin Beth Winholtz. Special thanks to all the staff and care givers who made a special impact in his life. Memorials may be made to Special Olympics or Swann Special Care Center. "
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