Kenneth Cole

Kenneth Eugene Cole, 67, of Mansfield, died Saturday, October 3, 2009, at Hospice House in Ashland. Born September 28, 1942, in Mansfield, he was the son of Clee S. Marie L. VanNiman Cole. A 1960 graduate of Mansfield Senior High School, Kenneth was a veteran of the United States Airforce and retired from Gorman Rupp after 40 years of service. He devoted 44 years as Chairman of Toy Time, from 1965 to 2009, and enjoyed golf, bowling, swimming and spending time with his family.

Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Karen E. Bunting Cole; two daughters, Teresa A. Reg Boner and Annette Cole; a son, Kenneth E. "Casey" Sara Cole II; four grandchildren, Aaron and Tabitha Tipton, Jesse Horsley and Chrissy Boner; and a brother, Donnie Cole, Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Gurtha Martin and Videlia Kennedy; and a brother, Clayton Cole.

Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, October 7, 2009, at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road, Mansfield, OH 44906. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 8, 2009, at the funeral home conducted by Dr. Pentti Maki. Full military services will be conducted by the Richland County Veterans Burial Detail following the service at the funeral home. Private burial will be in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Toy Time.

A benefit for Ken will be held from 12-6 p.m. Saturday, October 31, 2009, at the U.A.W. Hall, Local 549, 2510 W. 4th Street, Mansfield, OH.