John Earl Cole

Earl Cole

John Earl Cole, 91, of Powersville, MO, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, February 24, 2015. He was born July 24, 1923, in Newtown, MO, the son of Albert Earl and Alpha Marie (Chandler) Cole. Earl gave his life to Christ and was baptized at a young age; he was a member of the Newtown Christian Church. He married Geneva Christine Stark on July 24, 1941 and they raised their four children in Powersville.

Earl graduated from Newtown High School and then joined the United States Army, fighting in WW II. After his service to our country and 18 months shy of finishing medical school, Earl became the Postmaster for the Powersville post office. He then served the Powersville community as the rural mail carrier. Upon retirement he became a postal inspector. Earl loved the people of Powersville and the surrounding community. He served as mayor of Powersville for many years. He also owned and operated the Cole Grocery Store which later became the Powersville coffee shop which he operated for many years with his friend Crystal Gadberry until shortly before his passing. Earl was also co-owner of the Stark-Cole Rock Quarry in Mercer, MO, until they sold it to Sergeant Quarries.

Earl loved music and played guitar in the Stark family band at many High School dances as well as barn and square dances. A common occurrence was for local musicians to have musical jam sessions on weekends at his home or perform together at “Saturday night musicals” at the Legion Hall. His legacy of musical talent was also passed on to his children. Earl was proud to be a member of the Somerset Masonic Lodge in Powersville, receiving his 50 year pen. He touched the lives of many people. His joyous personality and easy laughter will be greatly missed.

Earl is survived by his four children: Ron (Jonna) Cole of Overland Park, KS and their daughter Stephanie (Charles) Agnew and three children; Jim Cole of Denver, CO and his sons Ryan and Matthew; Dr. Debra (Warren) Keith of Weston, MO, and their daughters Lauren (Levi) VanZant and Katelyn Keith; Larry Cole of Moline, IL and daughters Brandee Cole, Ashlee (Robbie) Morelock and two children, and Mandee Cole and two children. He is also survived by a sister, Norma Jean Adkins of Carman, IL, niece Valorie Holman and nephew Joe Adkins.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents and by his wife, Christine Cole, on January 15, 1987.

Funeral services for Earl Cole were held at Playle & Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, on Saturday, February 28, 2015. Kevin Collins conducted the service with recorded musical selections “How Great Thou Art” and “The Old Rugged Cross.” Debbie Keith, Earl’s daughter, played “Amazing Grace” on the piano. Casket bearers were Duane Stark, Daryl Davis, Rick Stark, Curt Murphy, Howard Garten, Mike Plummer, Ronnie Stroud, and Bill Godfrey.

Memorials are suggested to the Powersville Cemetery and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.