Retired Chief Petty Officer Frank William Cole Sr

‘Bill’ was raised for much of his young life on a family farm in Jetmore, Hodgeman County, Kansas. During the Great Depression he farmed alongside his father being the oldest son of 6 children. When World War II came along ‘Bill’ was anxious to join and became a member of the US Navy after graduating from high school early. He will eventually serve for 22 years in the United States Navy navigating events of the Cold War including being assigned as a member of Alan Shepard’s medical team for Shepard’s historic orbit around the earth.

In 1951 Bill married Ileana Lebron with whom he had 7 children. Ileana predeceased Bill in 1965. Bill will re-marry in 1967 to Zita Marie (Henley) Cole. Zita will bring 3 daughters to the marriage for a total of 10. Adult children include Linda Kay Henley Allen (Franklin), Gloria Henley Smith, (Randy),Frank William Cole, Jr(Lakay), Joyce Henley Balvocius, Frederick B. Cole(Sally), Thomas W. Cole(Sheree), Gerard L. Cole(Sheila), Richard A. Cole Ileana Marie (Cole) Arnt(Richard), Lucinda (Cole) Evans(Earle). Bill will also be predeceased by 2 adult children; Joyce and Richard as well as 3 siblings Lawrence Cole, Mary (Cole) Sinclair and Daniel Cole. Naturally this large family will bring grandchildren and great grandchildren to enrich Bill’s life; 14 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. At 95 years of age his presence and common sense advice will be missed by all of his children. We love you Dad.

A reception for Retired Chief Petty Officer Frank will be held Saturday, June 4, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at H.M. Patterson & Son-Canton Hill Chapel, 1157 Old Canton Road Ne, Marietta, GA 30068. A graveside service will occur Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mt Vernon Hwy NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hmpattersoncantonhill.com for the Cole family.