Donald Leroy Cole

Donald Leroy Cole, 77 of Mayview, Missouri passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at his home surrounded by family. He was born Saturday, May 5, 1945 in Higginsville, Missouri, to the late Albert Cole and the late Betty (Gulley) Cole. He was a graduate of Mayview High School - class of 1964. After high school he joined the United States Army Reserves. He learned to operate heavy machinery in the Army which led to 34 years working for MoDot and owning his own excavating business for 40 plus years. Don also served his community by working as a Deputy for the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department. Don married Diane (McLaughlin) Cole on August 15, 2009; they were married 13 wonderful years. Don enjoyed being outdoors, hunting and fishing. Perhaps the greatest joy in his life was his grandchildren. Papa Don never missed a chance to spend time with them or attend their events. His granddaughter Kendall, enjoyed looking for frogs at the pond with him. She would name them and liked looking for the ones she had named. She was upset because one day she couldn't find her large bullfrog, Curly. Papa Don stayed out at the pond after she went home until he found her frog and then drove all the way to Raytown with the frog to show her he was alive and okay. He truly just wanted to make her happy and see her smile again. Papa Don loved his grandchildren and spending every second he could with all of them. Don will be remembered as a hard working, caring father, a doting Papa, and a loving husband. He will be greatly missed by all he came to know. Surviving are his wife, Diane of the home; three daughters, Kimberly Bowkley of Stockton, CA, Shannon Rinella of Higginsville and Alecia Groves of Lee’s Summit, MO; two sisters, Carol Begeman of Blue Springs, MO and Darlene (Kenny) Fiegenbaum of Mayview; five grandchildren, Kendall Rinella, Adyn Edelman, Stori Groves, Finley Groves, Will Linton. He is preceded in death by his parents. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home 1600 Main St. Higginsville. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM with interment and military honors in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery. Casket Bearers: Tommy Phillips, Jimmy Roller, Cameron Linton, Jeremy Hamilton, Caelin Linton, Jim Havner. Memorial contributions may be made out to Family Choice C/O Diane Cole.

Donald Leroy Cole

May 5, 1945 - July 16, 2022