Donald Eugene Cole's Obituary
Donald Eugene Cole, 86, of Decatur, passed away Monday, March 5, 2018 in Fair Havens Christian Village with his family by his side.
Don was born October 30, 1931 in Decatur, the son of Russell E. and Marie C. (Foley) Cole. He graduated from St. James Elementary School and St. Teresa High School class of 1949. In his younger years he worked as a cab driver for the city of Decatur and a bartender at Merle’s Tap. Don then went to work as road commissioner and general foreman for the Macon County Highway Department. Don also farmed in the Dalton City area all of his life. He was a member of Saints James & Patrick Parish. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, farming, and being a die-hard Cubs fan. Don married Marilyn Fitzgerald on November 26, 1955 and they had four children Rusty, Kent, Alice, and Donna. She preceded him in death on February 12, 1974. He then married Jane E. “Janie” Priddy on April 15, 1976 and they had four children Jodi, Casie, Susie, and Thomas.
Don leaves behind his wife Janie, children Russell “Rusty” Cole of Sullivan, Kent Cole of Decatur, Alice Cole-Schum of Springfield, Jodi Cole of Decatur, Casie Cole-Cross (Rio O’Donnell) of San Diego, California, and Susie (Phillip) Wilkerson of Mesa, Arizona, sister Catherine Chicoine of Libertyville, grandchildren Cory Schum, Ashley (John) Copple, Amanda (Brandon) Freese, Matthew (Jonna) Harris, Jayden Cole, Chelsea Wilkerson, Courtney Wilkerson, Cody (Kayla) Wilkerson, River O’Donnell, and Camille O’Donnell due in July, ten great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, brothers Fr. Russan and Fr. Kevin Cole, brother-in-law Gordon Chicoine, daughter Donna Sue Cole-Sykes, and son Thomas Grant Cole.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Gregory Totel and his nurses and staff and the nurses and staff with Fair Havens Christian Village for all of their loving care and support.
Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Don’s life will be 11:00 AM Monday, March 12, 2018 in St. James Catholic Church, 742 E. Clay St. Decatur, Rev. John Burnette, celebrant. Family will receive friends for one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will be in St. Isidore Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL 62526. View the obituary, send condolences, and share memories with the family at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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