Donald Lee Cole

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FLORIDA

Donald Lee Cole, 85, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015.

Born March 29, 1930, in Marion, he was the son of Guy and Flo Cole.

Donald was a gifted artist whose talent was recognized as early as high school. He graduated Phi Seta Kappa from Wabash College in Crawfordsville and then went on to serve his country in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954.

In May 1953, he married Sonja June Hartzell, whom he “loved, honored and cherished” until death did them part.

Early in his career, Don partnered with his brother, Edwin L. Cole, in their advertising firm, Ideas Unlimited!, in Marion. Along with Ed and colleague June McKown, they created a local Grant County publication, Image magazine, which won numerous state and national awards.

Donald wrote and illustrated two children’s coloring books, “The Funny Red Zoo” and “Dr. Fun in the Hospital,” which was purchased by hospitals around the country. He ultimately owned his own advertising agency, Don Cole and Associates, and ran this successful enterprise with his energetic and always supportive wife.

Donald was an artist, a cartoonist and a voracious reader. He was a quiet and gentle man who taught by example, living a life of love, honesty and integrity and serving God, his family and his country. He will be greatly missed.

In addition to his beloved wife of 62 years, Sonja, survivors include his four children, Guy Douglas (Rebecca) Cole of Marion, Sheila (J.R.) List of Boynton Beach, Florida, David Lee (Tracey) Cole of Boca Raton, Florida, and Sharon (Doug) Parker of Houston, Texas; five grandchildren, Braden and Colin List, Cole Finch and Morgan and Grace Parker; and a brother, Edwin L. (Nancy) Cole of Marion.

The funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Wabash College, P.O. Box 352, Crawfordsville, IN 47933-0352; Alzheimer’s Association of SE Florida, P.O. Box 22594, West Palm Beach, FL 33416; or Trustbridge (Hospice of Palm Beach County), 5300 East Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33407.

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