My husband and I sponsored Steve at USNA. We met his parents and many friends and family members during his years at the Academy.He was a great guy and I am so sorry to hear about his passing. 
      Patti Nalley(formerly Patti Evans)
      Annapolis, Maryland

Our condolences and prayers to Carol and the family.  We are so sorry we could not attend the Celebration of Life.  I think of Steve often and it always brings a smile.  We go back to Day 1 of Piedmont Airlines new hire training.  We sat next to each other as Steve was one seniority number junior to me.  For the next 30 years - I never let him forget who was senior.  We also had the Air Force Academy (me) and Naval Academy (him) rivalry going on.  We talked every football season. I will miss those phone calls.  Thank you Carol for taking care of my buddy all those years.
RIP Steve

Dear Carol and family,
We will always be grateful for the time you spent with our boys in Sunday school.  They have found memories and consider you both important in their faith development.  Barry and I smile at the many great times we have had over the years.        
Barry and Lynn Smith, Mint Hill

Carol, I am so sorry for your loss. I was unable to attend the service due to illness. (minor) I enjoyed flying with you and Steve and will always remember that wild windshear event we all experienced. Please accept my deepest condolences.  Though I have also retired I hope to see you in the area.  God Bless.

Carol,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you & all the family!  Always remember the good times!!

Steve and I were training partners on American Airlines Boeing 757/767. He was a superb professional pilot that made out training as painless as possible due to his previous experience flying that plane .  I got to see and and Carol flying on my flight to St Maarten after he retired . A great pilot who also was hired by Piedmont Airlines.

We will miss Steve and his optimistic attitude. It was always nice to see him sitting in the audience of the family life center. It will be sad to look out and not see him there.  We were so happy when he joined the Haiti mission team. Im sure the children there benefited from his wonderful spirit.  Great friend, truly good person. Rest In Peace.
Gary and Ellen 

Dee and I are heart broken and there are no words to describe our deepest sympathies to the Cole family.  I'll always remember Steve's passion and love that flowed from him.  I can still hear him singing Steamroller with his big smile.  We love you Steve and you'll never be forgotten.

Carol, I was saddened to learn of Steve's passing.  We had some good trips together.  My memories of Steve remind me that he was the type of person that made you feel good just by being around him.  Always upbeat, smiling and laughing.  Great guy and pilot who will be missed by many.  My deepest sympathies to you and the Cole family.  God bless.

Dear Carol and family,
Our hearts are truly breaking with this sad news about Steve.  We have some wonderful memories that go way back when we moved in to Ashe Plantation in the late 80's.  You will remember, Carol, we met you for the first time at my 40th birthday party at Lake Norman.  My birthday was the day before Steve's so the rivalry between us, about me being older, went on for years!  We haven't had the pleasure of seeing the two of you since moving to Wilmington but please know that you and the family are in our hearts and on our mind.  Also, know that God holds each and every one of you in the palm of his hand. There is no doubt that heaven just became a better place to be!  God's Blessings to you all! Love, Barbara & Bob

Dear Carol and family,
I was so saddened to hear of Steve's passing! I have so many good memories of my time with your family at Blair Road. It began as a fellow member and was my pleasure when I was blessed to serve as one of your Pastors. When I think of Steve these words come to my mind; determined, focused, opinionated, hard-headed, loving, compassionate, dedicated, trustworthy, and most importantly, follower of Jesus. Was Steve perfect, no, but none on this earth are. As I think back to all we experienced together I am moved by Steve's dedication to Christ and His Church.  When Steve became committed to Jesus, he went all the way. What else would you expect from a "Navy Man".  Our loss is heaven's gain, so my prayer for you is that in your sadness and mourning you will be able to laugh and celebrate all of the life you shared with Steve. May God comfort you when you need it, may God give you peace when you are feeling disturbed, but most of all may you receive the deep assurance that Steve rests with Jesus and awaits your arrival in His Kingdom one day.
Blessings,
Rev. Johnny Lord

Always looked forward to my trips with brother Steve.  We could talk religion, family, sports, politics and aviation and laugh the entire trip.  He will be missed. God Speed

I cannot express how sad I am about hearing the passing of Steve. He was a true professional in the airplane and a true Gentleman and it was obvious how much he loved his Family. I hope your good memories help you through this tough time. Kevin Prufer

Carol,  we were so sorry to hear about Steve.  I remember our first class together at church and our conversations at church and South 21.  I always had great respect for Steve.  He was a wonderful person.  Our prayers are with you and your family.
Bob & Suzette Southern (Mint HIll, NC)

My condolences to your family for their loss.

Carol,
I am so sorry for your loss.  I always enjoyed flying with both Steve and you.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Carol, I am very sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I always enjoyed flying with him. He was a great pilot and a better person.

I liked Steve a lot, he always had an inviting smile on his face.  So sorry, prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Carol,we are sadden to learn of the end of Steve's earthly journey.   We rejoice in knowing how faithful he was to our Lord and Savior and through God's promise know his heavenly journey began in the arms of Jesus where he will be forever free of sickness and suffering.  Our prayers for comfort are with you and with all who loved Steve.

I am saddened to learn of Steve's passing; my condolences go out to the entire Cole family.  I had the pleasure of working with Steve and Carol at the airline and was always happy to learn that we would be flying together for a few days.  He was one of the really good guys and most certainly will be missed by many.  Blessings.

My condolences to you and your family Carol. Im terribly sorry for your loss. Steve was one of the best guys I have had the honor of knowing. God bless you and yours 

We are so sorry to hear about Steve.We both enjoyed our trips together with Steve and Carol,and there were many.
Steve and I went thru 737 initial training together in Aug.1989.We both messed up,did good,and got thru. looking back a wonderful time together.
We will always miss our fried Steve.

We will cherish your memory and the many wonderful times we shared! You were always a blessing to us and our family! Rest In Peace dear friend!

My condolences to Carol and the family. Godspeed classmate, company-mate and friend. From that first day of Plebe Summer at Annapolis, we few in 35th company knew we could count on Steve's quick wit and strong soul to help us through difficult times. Steve never disappointed. You will be missed, my friend. USNA '75!

OBITUARY

Stephen David Cole

8 May, 1952 – 7 January, 2018

McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel

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