Joel Obie Cork

Joel (Joe) Obie Cork, 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Speedway Indiana on February 28, 2025. He lived his life to the fullest; and, as his favorite song suggests, Joe did it his way.

Born June 22, 1938 in Indianapolis to Mim (Andrews) Cork and Harold Cork, Joe graduated from Speedway High School where he would meet his wife of 65 years, Marilyn Woodward. He would attend both Indiana University and Butler as a member of each school’s golf team, earning a degree in finance and accounting in 1961. Joe’s athletic career included many accomplishments in golf and basketball – highlighted by winning the Indianapolis City Amateur golf tournament, competing in a match against Jack Nicklaus, and, as he would often remind anyone who would listen, sinking 23 consecutive free throws in the Marion County Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Joe’s professional career as an entrepreneur included opportunities in real estate, accounting, and insurance – with a daily appearance at the Cork Insurance office until the month of his passing.

Joe (known by friends and family as Joel-O or Pop) was a friend to many, and an enemy to few. Most interactions with others – whether they occurred in his office, at a local pub, or in his beloved cities of Las Vegas and Panama City Beach – would result in smiles, laughter, sharing a beer, or all the above. Pop loved his family, Joel-O loved his friends, and we all loved him back.

Joe is survived by his wife; 4 children: Sandy (Todd) Linville, Sherri (Ande) Possman, Steve (Caroline) Cork, Scott (Sonya) Cork; brother Jeff Cork; 5 grandchildren: Caylie (Chris), Kyle (Megan), Danny, Toby Joel, Abby; 5 great grandchildren: Cassidy, Carley, Cami, Kannon, Blakely; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Jan Birk, and brother Jay Cork.

Joe’s Celebration of Life will be April 4th from 5 -9 p.m. at Wyrk Space, 4910 West 16th Street in Speedway. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Speedway Christian Church, 5110 West 14th Street, Speedway Indiana 46224.

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