Donald M Cole

During World War Two Donald served in the US Army in the Pacific Theater as a member of the Medical Detachment of the 1st Cavalry Division. He was aboard a ship in Yokohama Harbor when General MacArthur accepted the surrender of Japan aboard the battleship Missouri.

After the war Donald completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy at Idaho State College. He also obtained a pilot’s license and would buzz the family farm in a small plane. He then served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the South African Mission.

He married Pamela Alice Wande on May 4, 1956 in the LDS Logan Temple.

Donald and Pamela settled in the Millcreek area and have lived there for 53 years.

As a faithful member of the Church Donald served in many positions including as a member of the Grant Stake High Council, and Grant 8th Ward Bishopric. Donald devoted much of his life to the study of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and was a well loved teacher in his ward. Gospel study groups, symposiums and seminars were among his interests.

Throughout his life he shared his musical talents including as a cornet player in the Preston High School Marching Band and later as a valued soloist and member of the ward choir. His interests as a young man included performing in school plays. Donald rode horses on the family farm and rode a motorcycle to work until Pamela encouraged him to find safer transportation. Cars always attracted Donald’s interest, from the convertible he owned as a young man, to the white Mustang he drove in the 70’s, to the wood paneled family station wagon, he enjoyed cars and driving.

Donald enjoyed reading, cooking, keeping an attractive yard, and teasing his friends and family. He was a devoted and faithful home teacher.

His home was the scene of frequent large family gatherings including Easter Egg Hunts, 4th of July Fireworks, Labor Day Breakfasts, Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. The family always requested he prepare his famous mashed potatoes or potato salad.

He is survived by his wife, Pamela; children Wendy Sampson (Douglas), Stephanie Barrett (Glenn), Lesley Cunningham (Lawaun), Allison Johnson (Keith), Scott Cole (Amy Ipson); 20 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren; sisters LuGene Sorenson (Garnell), Gay Cole, Rochelle Manning (Darrell). Predeceased by granddaughter Jessica Barrett and Sister Nedra Eames (Wendell).

Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 17th, 2011 at 11:00 am in the Ridgedale Ward, 3400 South 1100 East, Salt Lake City. Friends and family may also pay their respects at the Ridgedale Ward from 6:00 to 7:00 pm Wednesday, February 16th or one hour prior to the funeral on Thursday. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Arrangements under the direction of Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, Salt Lake City, UT.