Don proudly served his country and his community with 20 years of service in the U.S. Army, 20 years with the U.S. Postal Service and a few years driving buses for the Greater Lynchburg Transit Company. Donald’s military service included two voluntary tours in Vietnam where he lost many friends and teammates and never forgot how blessed he was to come home in one piece. Donald’s service also coincided with his passion for Liberty Football where he volunteered to serve as the Equipment Truck driver for over a decade.
Don was an animal lover, who was known to bring home the occasional strays who would become beloved family pets. Donald was a member of Thomas Road Baptist Church but First Baptist Church of Manistee, Michigan held a special place in his heart. Donald will be missed by his family who could always count on him to be the moral leader, steadfast in his convictions and always willing to do the hard right instead of the easy wrong.
Donald was preceded in death by his mother Evelyn, his brother Tom, and his father Charles. He leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Beverly Cole, his children Kevin Cole (Svetlana Jovanovic), Aaron Cole, Corey Cole (Holly Cole) and Elise Cole and grandchildren Maddox Cole, Honora Cole and Ethan Barley.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be conducted at 6 p.m. Friday, July 23, 2021 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel with Pastor Ed Gomes officiating. The family will receive friends following the service until 7:30 p.m.
This service will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/whittenfuneralhome
Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Lynchburg Humane Society, 1211 Old Graves Mill Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502, www.lynchburghumane.org.
To send condolences online, please visit www.whittentimberlake.com.
