David Benjamin Cole, 96 years old, left this world peacefully in his sleep on January 15, 2021, after a recent stroke. David was born on September 9, 1924 in Zephyr, Texas to Robert Bishop Cole and Bessie Lee (Gist) Cole. David attended Zephyr and Brownwood schools until he entered the U.S. Army Air Corps in April 1943 to serve his country during World War II. He was stationed in Bury St. Edmunds, England serving with the 331st Bomb Squadron as a waist gunner on a B17 crew in the European Theater. After being released from the service, David went to work for Humble Oil Company (later EXXON) in McCamey, Texas. David worked for Humble Oil until he was recalled serving in the U.S. Air Force Reserves as a part of a B29 crew during the Korean War. David was discharged from the service in September 1952 and returned to work for Humble Oil. He retired from Exxon in 1986 after 40 years of service.
David married Virginia Louise (King) Cole on June 6, 1953. They were proud parents of four children, Deborah Kay, Donald David, Susan Elaine, and Steven Matt. David was a faithful member of the Church of Christ in Rankin, TX, Midkiff, TX and most recently, the Park Heights congregation in Hamilton, TX. David is survived by his wife of 67 years, Virginia, daughter, Deborah Kay Roberson and husband Larry Roberson of Bixby, OK, son, Donald David Cole and wife Lillis Cole of Hamilton, TX, daughter, Susan Elaine Norman and husband Dusty Norman of Bastrop, TX, son, Steven Matt Cole and wife Rebecca Cole of Mansfield, TX, 14 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. David is survived by one sister, Minnie Bess Cutbirth and husband Treldon Cutbirth of Brownwood, TX and numerous nieces and nephews.
David was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert Cole, Charles Cole, Ted Cole, Ned Cole, and sister Mamie Lee Whitenton.
David loved to garden planting numerous pecan and fruit trees. He also planted a large vegetable garden each year that he enjoyed sharing with neighbors. He delighted in sharing his faith with his children and grandchildren. He was a humble man who served his God faithfully and is now enjoying his reward. David was greatly loved by family and friends and will be missed immensely.
Funeral Service for David Benjamin Cole, age 96, of Hamilton will be held at 10 am on Thursday, January 21, 2021, at the chapel of Riley Funeral Home in Hamilton. Tom Moore, Minister at Park Heights Church of Christ will officiate the service. David will be laid to rest at 1:30 pm in the Zephyr Cemetery, Zephyr TX, with his grandparents, parents, other siblings, and numerous other relatives.
Pallbearers are Justin Gill, Dustin Miller, Russell Miller, Davis Cole, Tyler Cole, and Damien Cura.
The family of David Cole sincerely thanks the Mission Hospice staff and Focused Care for lovingly caring for David the last few days of his life. Your constant attention to his needs touched our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cherokee Home for Children.
