Glenn E. “Pop” Cole, 70, of Wilsonville, died on Thursday, March 18, 2021, at his residence, surrounded by loved ones.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Cole was born June 18, 1950, in Hillsboro, to Harry and Eva (Hankins) Cole. In 1968, he dialed a wrong number and met the woman who would become his wife. He married Karen “Suzie” Martin in 1970, and she survives. They celebrated their 50th anniversary last year.
In 1969, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served as a machine gunner in Vietnam until he was wounded. He finished his tour as an MP in 1971.
Mr. Cole began working at Tayloe Glass in Olivette, MO, in 1972, and worked for the same company for 27 years as a manager/installer until an accident forced his retirement. He enjoyed retirement and his many hobbies.
He collected hot wheels, and enjoyed fishing, attending auctions, rebuilding and restoring lawn tractors, and many travel trips with his wife and family.
Mr. Cole was able to serve the community. He and his brother, Don, co-founded the Prairieland Leathernecks. He was also involved with the Marine Corps League in Litchfield, and spent Fridays servicing to God. He fried fish at Life Harvest Ministeries in Wilsonville, which was his home church.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Shawn Cole of St. Ann, MO, Shane (Melissa) Cole of Wood River and Shad Cole of Wilsonville; sisters, Darlene Cole and Janet Halleman, both of Hillsboro; grandchildren, Jessey, Mackenzie, Katelyn, Alisdair, Makaylah, Austin, Alex, Cayden and Gabrial; great-granddaughter, Lylah; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Mr. Cole was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jim, Don and Oliver Cole; and sisters, Deanna Logan and Eva Cole.
Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or Life Harvest Fish Fry Fund.
Online condolences may be left at www.kravanyafuneral.com.
