Mr. Lester D. Cole, age 83 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital surrounded by his loving family after a brief and courageous battle with Amyloidosis.
Lester was born Feb. 1, 1931 in Preston, Mo., the son of James and Hazel Fisher Cole. He was united in marriage on Dec. 19, 1954, in Texas County, Mo. to Glenna Coble.
After high school, Lester served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Seoul, South Korea. He was awarded the Korean War Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars.
After serving his country, Lester was employed with International Shoe Company in Houston, Mo. In 1963, Lester relocated his family to Jefferson City, where he maintained employment with International Shoe Company. In 1966, he began working for the Missouri Department of Corrections as a corrections officer and would later manage the clothing industries program until his retirement in 1996. Lester also was employed in part-time positions with Schulte’s IGA and Gerbes Supermarket throughout his career.
He and Glenna attended Harvest Time Ministries in Holts Summit, Mo.
Lester enjoyed the outdoors, watching wildlife in his backyard, hunting, fishing (especially crappie fishing) and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan.
Survivors include his wife of almost 60 years, Glenna Cole; one daughter, Rhonda Sickels (husband DeWayne) of Jefferson City, Mo.; one son, Randy Cole (fiancée Julie) of Jefferson City, Mo.; two grandchildren, Katelyn Sickels (boyfriend John) and Jared Cole (fiancée Kayla); two great-granddaughters, Riley and Bailey Cole; two step-grandchildren, Maitlyn and Marissa Nienhueser; four brothers, Vernon Cole (wife Amy Rose) of Houston, Mo., Glen Cole (wife Agnus) of Springfield, Mo., Wilfred Cole (wife Iretta) of Houston, Mo., and LeRoy Cole (wife Ethel) of Houston, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Fern Marie Overy.
Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014, in the Freeman Chapel with the Rev. Charles Norris officiating. Graveside services and interment with military honors will be held at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Harvest Time Ministries or Dr. Tamara Hopkins Patient Assistance Fund.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary in Jefferson City, Mo.
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