Darold Frank Cole

Darold Frank Cole, a beloved resident of Merritt Island and Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on his 84th birthday, July 6, 2025. Darold's life was marked by his unwavering dedication to his family, his faith, and his community.

He was grounded in a strong faith in God and lived his life following God's guiding principles.

Darold was a military veteran who served in the Navy, and his career evolved from being an incredible engineer to an executive leader. He took great pride working for Reynolds, Smith & Hills Inc. for 35+ years, highlighted by his leading the design of both the Mobile Launch Platform and the entire Complex 39 A&B for the Space Shuttle. His contributions to the community were immense, as he tirelessly volunteered and became a leader in various organizations, including the Catholic Church, school boards, civic organizations, and corporate boards. He also served God as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and in his ever-ending sense of taking care of others, was recognized by the Red Cross for his life-long dedication to donating blood to help others.

Darold was known for treating everyone with genuine care and respect, whether they were friends, coworkers, peers, or subordinates.

Darold's greatest accomplishment was being a family man. It starts with Darold and Eileen’s 48 year marriage and deep love for each other. Darold was the foundation of his family, teaching generations to be kind, faithful, patient, selfless, and humble, simply by how he conducted himself every day. He was a dedicated husband, a father worshiped by his children, and an adored grandfather and great-grandfather.

Darold always avoided the center of attention, focusing on others who he cared for, putting everyone else at the center.

His sense of humor was priceless and unique. His favorite pastimes were cheering for his alma mater Kansas State University, golf, boating, fixing almost anything broken, family vacations, and travelling the world with his beloved wife, Eileen.

A funeral service will be held at Mary, Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 9401 Staples Mill Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32244, on July 14. Viewing starts at 10:00AM, Mass at 11:00 AM.

He is survived by his loving wife, Eileen Cole; sister, Reneen (Hank) Salmans; children, Kay (Chuck) Thomas, Bob (Candace) Cole, and Darold (Kathy) Cole; grandchildren, Blake (TJ) Thomas, Brandi Thomas, Chase Thomas, Katelyn Thomas, Bobby Cole, Connor Cole, Andrew Cole, DJ Cole, Zofia Cole, and Frank (Nikki) Urso; and great-grandchildren, Hailey Urso, Sophie Urso, and Gracie Urso.

Darold was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Thelma Cole; his sister, Glenda (Gale) Urban; and his children, Patricia Wright and Cherie McDonough.

Darold's legacy of love, kindness, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made out to Disabled American Veterans, https://www.dav.org/ or The Central and North Florida Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org/cnfl?set=1

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL. Please post words of comfort at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.