Don Cole's Obituary
Don N. Cole, son of James D. and Maude Marie Phelps Cole, was born September 27, 1920, near Eldridge, Missouri. He departed this life Monday, May 7, 2007, in St. John’s Hospital, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of eighty-six years, seven months, and ten days. On March 25, 1970, he was united in marriage to Mary Edith Jarman Ivey, who preceded him in death on June 15, 1996. In 2000, he married Loie Bowers, and together they shared the last seven years. He was also preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Beverly Cole; a brother, Kenneth Cole; and a sister, Mary Lee Stouard. Don is survived by his wife, Loie, of the home; two daughters, Twila Hillme, of Springfield, Missouri, and Melva Cole, of Richland, Missouri; a son, Gene Cole, of Hawaii; three stepdaughters, Janie Blattel, of Lebanon, Missouri, Donna Gladden, of Eldridge, Missouri, and Teresa Jackson, of Lebanon, Missouri; ten grandchildren; a number of great-grandchildren; his extended family which includes three stepsons, Joe, Eddie, and Ronald West; and a stepdaughter, Beverly Stoval; several nieces, nephews, and cousins, including a special cousin, John B. Cole, of Lebanon, Missouri; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was born and raised in the Eldridge, Missouri area. He served his country faithfully in the United States Army during World War II, and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. After he and Mary were married, they made their home in the Lebanon area and lovingly raised their melded family. Don worked for the Mid-America Dairy in Lebanon for a number of years. Don had made his profession of faith in Christ and was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Lebanon. In his spare time he enjoyed attending auctions, and buying and selling houses. He also liked to go hunting for coyotes. His family was always foremost in his life and he especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s ball games. Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and will treasure the memories he made for his family and friends. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 11, 2007, in the Holman-Howe Funeral Home, Lebanon. Burial will be in the Lonesome Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 7 - 8:30 p.m. under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon, Missouri. Memorials to the Lonesome Hill Perpetual Care Fund may be made through the funeral home.
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