Donald Freeman Cole Jr.

Donald Freeman Cole Jr. of Lakeview, Michigan, age 76, fell asleep in death on Sunday, July 25, 2021. He was born to Donald and Ruth Cole on March 18, 1945, in Lansing, Michigan. Don, or Sonny as he was often called by his family, was born the second of 5 children. His work included manager of 2 different Sherwin Williams stores, bus driver and maintenance at Lakeview Public Schools, and paint maintenance at GVSU. He spent the better part of his career working as a paint contractor, a profession that he passed on to all 3 of his sons. Don was married to the love of his life and best friend, Carolyn (Benjamin) Cole whom he married on June 12, 1964. Together they had 4 children, Wendy (Fred) Bissett, Scott (Sandy) Cole, Terry Cole, and Randy Cole, as well as 6 grandchildren, Kasey, Austin, Zoey, Allison, Lauren, and Aleena. Don was a private pilot and an avid golfer, something he enjoyed doing with his sons regularly. He and Carolyn enjoyed many trips to Mackinac Island and, when the children were younger, annual vacations to Douglas Lake. His farthest and fondest travel was no doubt when work took him and his family to St Croix, VI to paint apartment buildings. Don devoted his life to serving Jehovah and served as an elder in the Howard City Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.  He and Carolyn enjoyed working on the Regional Building Committee where they assisted in the building and renovation of numerous Kingdom Halls throughout Michigan. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn of 57 years; all 4 of his children; 6 grandchildren; as well as all 4 of his siblings Norman (Kathy) Cole, Alan Cole, Yvonne Annette (Dave) Blackburn, and Rosie (Phil) Bergman, as well as sister-in-law Liz Cole. He is preceded in death by both his parents, as well as sister-in-law Linda (Al) Cole. A memorial service will be held on Zoom August 7, 2021 at 1pm through the Howard City Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. For more information, please contact howardcitymemorial@gmail.com or 989-824-0707.