In loving memory of
Donald Jesse Cole

• November 22, 1934
• -
• September 16, 2024

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Donald Jesse Cole, “Grampy”, 89 years old, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 16, 2024, peacefully surrounded by loved ones at his home in Ormond Beach, Florida.

Don was born in Youngstown, Ohio on November 22, 1934, to Ray and Dora Cole. He was the youngest of eight children and the last to be laid to rest.

Don was a proud member of the United States Air Force (USAF) for 21 years beginning in 1953. He was a Korean and Vietnam War Veteran, and he retired in 1974. Together with his wife, Leeann, they traveled to numerous military assignments, including England, Germany, and various US states.

Don and Leeann were married on August 8, 1954 at the Rodef Sholom Temple in Youngstown, Ohio. They celebrated 67 years of marriage before she went home to be with the Lord in 2022. Don and Leeann had three children: Maxine, married to Curtis and living in Florida; Robert, married to Julie and living in Colorado; and Timothy, married to Melissa and living in Florida. Don is also survived by eight grandchildren and their spouses, 10 great-grandchildren and one spouse, one great-great-grandchild, and his beloved Boston Terrier, Annie.

Don retired from the USAF in 1974 and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he enjoyed watching his favorite teams, the Cincinnati Bengals, Ohio State University football, and the Cincinnati Reds. In 1996, he and Leeann moved to Ormond Beach, Florida where he also enjoyed long walks in his neighborhood and woodworking crafts.

Don was active in his community as an elder in his church, volunteer and leader with the Auxiliary at Florida Hospital/Advent Health, and also a leader on his neighborhood homeowners association board.

He enjoyed listening to classic country music, was always ready to tell a joke or a story, and loved his family very much.

Don was cremated and will be laid to rest next to his loving wife in Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.