Donald Eugene Cole Sr., 86, passed away peacefully on Jan. 16, 2021, at his home in Liberty.

He was born March 31, 1934, in Oakland, California, to Nile and Genevieve (Voyles) Cole. Upon retiring in 1972 from the U.S. Navy, he moved with his family to Richmond.

Don spent his life dedicated to the country he loved. He proudly served for 20 years in the Navy, retiring as a master chief (E9). During his career, he served on the admiral’s staff for multiple tours and as chief of the boat for the nuclear submarine USS Sargo from 1968 to 1970.

He served with distinction during both the Korean and Vietnam wars. Upon retiring from the Navy, Don continued to enjoy the brotherhood of the armed forces by being a part of the Sargo group U.S. Submarine Veterans, Topeka-Jefferson City Base Submarine Veterans, as well as ALS and Rotary organizations. Don did not hesitate to strongly educate the younger generation about proper respect for our country and our flag.

After retiring from the Navy, Don owned an appliance store in Richmond. During this time, he also taught himself programming, and how to troubleshoot and repair computers. This newly acquired skill, after most would have retired, allowed him to work as a computer programmer into his early 80s.

Don was a strong family man, going over and above for his family. He enjoyed many fishing trips, listening to big band music and playing pool. His pool table was a prominent form of entertainment for him, and he took special pride in challenging and beating his children and grandchildren with nary a challenge on his part. After which, he would ask, with a big sheepish grin on his face, “Want to play again, double or nothing?”

In addition, Don enjoyed being a part of several pool leagues. He loved Tom Clancy novels; and going fishing always was a favorite pastime of his, including going on fishing trips with his son and others. He was married to Mary Elizabeth (Harmon) Cole for 57 years until her passing in 2012.

Don has joined his “sweetie heart” forever in eternity. Although we all miss them, we will proudly continue to lovingly carry out their legacy.

Don is survived by his loving companion of eight years, Joy Nichols, Liberty; children, Joeanne (Gary) Leuchtman, Pensacola, Florida, Ida (Gary) Fitzgerald, Pace, Florida, Donald (Lisa) Cole Jr., M.D., Kansas City, Edie (Amy) Lovell, Phoenix; grandchildren, Brooke Leuchtman, Brian Leuchtman, Bradley Leuchtman, Cole (Sruthi) Fitzgerald, Caleb Fitzerald, Caitlyn Fitzerald, Emily (Patrick) Brooks, David (Colleen) Cole, Jordan Cole, James (Charlene) Ogan, Zachary (Jaimeisha) Kirkland, Daniel (Cardia) Ogan, Tiffany (Casey) Horton, Alena Mahaffey, Kaden (Jada) Mahaffey, Karsen (Karlee) Mahaffey, Ryken Lovell, Livyana Lovell, Mattix Lovell and Benit Lovell; and 19 great-grandchildren. His life also was richly blessed with numerous extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Nile Cole; mother and stepfather, Genevieve and Frank Graves; and his loving wife, Mary Elizabeth (Harmon) Cole.

A private family graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 22, in Richmond Memory Gardens. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, when it is safe for all to gather. Thurman Funeral Home is taking care of the arrangements.

Services will be live streamed on Thurman Funeral

Home’s Facebook page.

Please remember to share your memories of Donald with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.

We join all of his military comrades in saying, “Fair winds and following seas, Master Chief, rest your oars, we have the watch.” We love you, Dad.

In lieu of flowers, it is the family’s wish that memorials be made in his honor to the U.S. Submarine Veterans Charitable Foundation Inc. (website: www.ussvcf.org) and the Richmond Rotary Club; 901 Wollard Blvd.; Richmond, MO 64085.