Donald Eugene Cole Sr. was born July 31st, 1933 in Springfield, Missouri, and left his earthly vessel Sunday morning, October 30th, 2022.

He attended Springfield Senior High and joined the US Navy, stationed in San Diego, California, and served proudly on the USS Boxer aircraft carrier while in the Korean War.
Don was a member of the Springfield Elks Lodge, the Masonic Lodge, the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine, and served as the previous president of the USS Boxer Association, and the Springfield Sertoma Club. As a Korean War Veteran, he was a guest of
Honor Flight of the Ozarks, visiting Washington DC’s Veteran Memorials with fellow veterans, which was a highlight in his later years.

He was a tireless, strong-willed, and determined entrepreneur who rose from his depression-era childhood to build multiple successful businesses. Following his retirement he still never tired of traveling with his sons attending their business home shows where he made many friends with his wit and charisma.
In his early years, he worked for the historic Frisco Railroad and continued to have a love of trains, enjoying many trips traveling the US on Amtrak. He loved to fish with his son Terry. Don enjoyed spending time with family and was an avid Chiefs and Cardinals fan as well as Missouri Tigers where his son Don Cole Jr played football 1973-77, and he never missed his games. Frequently visiting Silver Dollar City with his son Gregory, was another of his favorite pastimes. His love of country music inspired him to form his own band in the 80s in which he sang and played guitar, named The Ozark Whippoorwills, performing here in the Ozarks.

Don was baptized October 20, 1957 at High Street Baptist Church where he attended many years, and more recently Crossway Baptist Church.

Don was preceded in death by his wife Rachel Mary (Gordon) Cole; his parents Otis and Lena Pauline (Wallis) Cole; two sisters Norma Dean Nelson and Shirley Miles Crocker both of Springfield: His wife of his youth, Avadean Marie (Inman) Cole, who passed at age 16.
He is survived by three sons, Donald E. Cole Jr; Terry L. (Rhonda) Cole; Gregory P. Cole; 7 grandchildren and 5 great-children.

“If I die today, I’ve had a good run.” Donald E. Cole

Visitation is Wednesday 11/9 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, and funeral services Thursday 11/10 at 12:30 pm, both at Greenlawn Funeral Home East 3540 E. Seminole. Graveside services Thursday 11/10 2:30 pm at Hazelwood Cemetery 1642 E. Seminole in Springfield, Missouri.