Donald Franklin Cole

SOUTH PORTLAND - Donald Franklin Cole died peacefully at his home on March 13, 2015, surrounded by his family, at the age of 89. Don was born on Oct. 13, 1925, in Falmouth, the son of the late Clarence S. and Mildred (Harmon) Cole, graduating from Falmouth High School in 1942.He joined the U.S. Navy and served four years as part of the 67th Construction Battalion Seabees during WWII. Don was stationed in the Mariana Islands on Tinian Island. He was discharged in 1946 as a Motor Machinist Mate 3rd Class. He was very proud of his military duty.On Sept. 25, 1948, Don married the love of his life, Mildred Bishop at Little Falls Baptist Church in Windham.He drove bus for the city of Portland and had been the transportation director for the Falmouth School Department for 28 years. He loved driving the school bus and all the children he met. He was the first Little League coach in Falmouth. He formerly attended the Falmouth Congregational Church. Don finished his career as a postal worker in Kennebunk and then he and Mille moved back to Windham to be closer to their family. Don and Mille loved to travel, taking their first cross country trip with their sons to Disneyland in California. They would also travel in their van to several Seabee reunions. They have driven to 48 states. They hosted two Seabee reunions in Portland. Don supported the activities of his grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He was an avid Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots fan. Following his stroke in 2004, Don and Mille moved to South Portland so they could be near the ocean. Mille lovingly and tirelessly cared for Don at their home until his passing.He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Mildred; two sons, the Rev. Denis and his wife Mary of Las Vegas, Nev., and David and his wife Debbie of Portland; five grandchildren, Dr. Matthew, Michelle, Elizabeth, Emily, and Eric; along with several nieces and nephews.A visiting hour will be held Tuesday from 1-2 p.m. from the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland, where a celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. Burial with military honors will be held in the spring at Blanchard Cemetery. Please visit www.jonesrichhutchins.com for further information and to sign Don's guestbook.In lieu of flowers, donations in Don's memory may be made to the So. Portland Fire and Rescue Dept.684 BroadwaySo. Portland Maine 04106.