Randall Ivan Cole

Randall “Randy” Cole, age 78, passed away on January 31, 2026, in Dallas, TX. He was born on March 24, 1947, in Findlay, OH, the beloved son of the late Ivan and Maxine Cole.

He resided in many communities throughout his life, including Findlay, OH, Los Angeles, CA, Houston, TX, McLean, VA, Annapolis, MD, and Hilton Head Island, SC, before spending his final six months in Dallas near his daughter and her family.

Randy earned his BSE in Naval Architecture & Industrial Engineering from the U of Michigan and later received his MBA from the U of Houston. He built a distinguished career spanning several decades. Randy began as an intern with the American Natural Gas Association, then launching his professional path at Litton Industries. At Litton, one of his proudest moments was that he was on the team that designed and built the first natural gas tanker in the world. He then worked at El Paso Natural Gas before he became Director of Legislative Affairs for El Paso Energy and transitioned into the same role for Burlington Resources. After retirement from Capitol Hill, he started a consultancy that was later purchased by IBM where he ended his professional career.

He loved giving back. Some of his best times were as President of University of Michigan Alumni Group of DC Club (largest chapter in the United States) and in retirement, as President of the New Providence Club in Annapolis, MD.

Randy is survived by his beloved son, Trevor “Buddy” Cole of Brookshire, TX, and his daughter, Aimee Cole Cali of Dallas, TX, and her husband, James Cali. Randy was a devoted grandfather to Isabel Brierre Cali and Katherine Marie Cali, who brought immense joy and meaning to his life. He is also survived by his brother, Doug Cole of Scottsdale, AZ, and his sister, Julie Cole of Hilton Head Island, SC.

Randy is further survived by his ex-wife, Alice McMillen Jones of Dallas, TX, and by his dear friend, Bonnie Muheim of Annapolis, MD, whose companionship and support were deeply valued.

A loving and devoted father, Randy held special pride in his son, Buddy. Buddy has been cared for since the age of 17 by The Brookwood Community in Brookshire, TX, a place that has provided him with a safe, supportive, and enriching home for many years.

Randy will be remembered for his love of gardening, fine wine and cooking, which he always shared with his family and friends. After retirement, he became a Master Gardener, a passion that brought him great joy. Along with the gardening, he was a self-taught handy man that could build or fix anything in your home. He never sat still and his presence enriched the lives of all who knew him.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate healthcare team at Iris Memory Care, whose dedication and care supported Randy during his final months.

Randy’s life will be celebrated by his family at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in McLean, VA, near his parents’ graves in Findlay, OH, and at a bench bearing his name at The Brookwood Community.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Randy’s memory to: The Brookwood Community, 1752 FM 1489; Brookshire, TX 77423. Also they may be made online in Randy’s memory at

https://brookwoodcommunity.org/donate/. The designation for the gift is “Wishlist” as a Tribute Gift in Memory of Randy Cole.