COLE, William Wayne "Bill" - b. October 16, 1939 - d. June 11, 2020

[patyrn]

William Wayne "Bill" Cole of Eureka, Kansas passed away on June 11, 2020 at his home in Eureka at the age of 80.  He was born October 16, 1939 in Emporia, Kansas, the son of Wayne Clifton and Mildred Anita (Pirtle) Cole.

Bill was raised in Emporia, Kansas through grade school and later moved to Osage City, Kansas with his family where he graduated from Osage City High School.  After graduating, he drove a cattle truck until 1961.  On June 25, 1961, he was united in marriage to Mildred Irene "Millie" Cole in Osage City.  They made their home in Madison, Kansas where he worked for the Ford dealership as well as opening the Madison Cafe with Millie.  To this union, three children were born.

In 1969, the family moved to Eureka, Kansas where Bill was the service manager for the Ford dealership and also served on the Eureka City and Greenwood County Volunteer Fire Departments.  He was also a special deputy for Sheriffs Charlie Samuels, Lowell Parker, and Matt Samuels.  In 1975, Bill and Millie opened Cole Auto & Wrecker.  They operated the business together until Bill's health forced him to retire in 2013. Millie preceded him in death in 2013.

Bill is survived by his children, Joanna (Marty) Hunter of Howard, Kansas; Diana Cole of Eureka, Kansas; and Daniel Cole of Baldwin City, Kansas; 7 grandchildren, Chris (Dana) Hunter, Amanda Linter, Clay Hunter, Ashlyn (Nick) Gessler, Tony (Kodi Seates) Huston, Brooklyn Cole, and Carlyn Cole; 6 great-grandchildren; and 2 sisters, Connie Lou Garrett of Saint Petersburg, Florida and Lois Jones of Madison, Wisconsin.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Mildred; his stepfather, James Steen; his wife, Millie; and two sisters, Elaine Dunn and Mable Shown.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 15, 2020 at Greenwood Cemetery in Eureka, Kansas with Mr. Judd Evereitt officiating.  In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to Hand in Hand Hospice or to the Chautauqua County Animal Shelter Transport.  Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 595, Eureka, Kansas 67045 which is overseeing arrangements.  Condolences may be left for the family online at www.koupfunerals.com.

(taken from the Koup Family Funeral Home website)