Ronald 'Wayne' Cole, 80
Ronald "Wayne" Cole of Cabool, MO passed away on June 28, 2023. Wayne was born October 9, 1942 in Easton, MD and was the youngest son of Frank E. Cole and Bertha Jackson Cole.
Wayne was raised in Clayton, DE where he attended Clayton Elementary and was a graduate of John Bassett Moore High School, Smyrna, DE, Class of 1960. During these years he met many classmates and created life long bonds of friendship, bonds that have endured upwards of 70 years, generating a tight knit family.
Upon graduation Wayne enlisted in the United States Navy. During his enlistment he spent his time aboard the USS Robert K. Huntington (DD-781) and USS Brough (DE-148). After receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1966 from the US Navy he attended Harding College in Searcy, AR.
Upon Wayne's return to Delaware he was employed by Dupont Chambers Works in Deep Water, NJ and retired after 30 years of employment,
On September 14, 1973 Wayne married Jo Ann Gettings. They made their home and raised their children in Sudlersville, MD. In 1996 Wayne and his family moved to Missouri.
Wayne had many interests and hobbies which included hunting, gardening, reading, singing, square dancing, researching genealogy and co-authoring "Chunks of Cole" with his sister Joyce O'Neal.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, six brothers: Harvey Jackson Cole, Hynson Cole, Roger Cole, Francis Cole, Evans Cole, Frank E. Cole Jr., three sisters: Julia Butler, Ortha Bickling and Joyce O'Neal, son John Wayne Cole in infancy and many beloved friends and classmates.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years Jo Ann (Gettings) Cole; sons Lance Day (Kim) of Walkersville, MD and Roger Cole (Stephanie) of Lexington, MO; daughter Katherine "Katie Sue" Cole of Sugar Creek, MO; three grandsons Ethan P. Cole, Liam Day and Blake Day; two granddaughters Alexandra Ellison and Cassidy Ellison, sister Lois Stanton of Sudlersville, MD and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation was held on Friday, July 7, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Yarber Mortuary, 814 E. Main St, Willow Springs, MO 65793. Funeral services were held Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 10:00 am at Willow Springs Church of Christ 2850 Bolerjack Dr., Willow Springs, MO 65793. Interment will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, Willow Springs, MO.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Willow Springs Church of Christ or the Navigators at navigators.org/staff/23838669
Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.