Robert William Cole, 97, of Richmond, Texas passed away on November 26, 2023. He was born in Myra, Texas on July 23, 1926, to Randolph Gustavis "Gus" Cole and Clara T "Shortie" Durham Cole.

He is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Vera Cole, son Leonard Cole & wife Vickie, son Ronald Cole & wife Becky, daughter-in-law Patsy Cole, sister Mary Cole Shelton, grandchildren Dallas Cole, Amy Bellah, Cobie Cole, Casey Cole & wife Heather, Calley Cole, Melissa Stuart & husband, Clark, Stephanie Jones & husband, Terry, Tyler Cole & wife, Morgan, sister in law Sue Cole, numerous great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Robert Cole, son Loyd Cole, brothers Elvin Guinn "Pete" Cole & wife Bonnie, Burgess Dale "Doodle" Cole & wife Margie, Martin Randolph Cole & wife Betty, James Gordon "Jim" Cole & brother in law Oscar Shelton.

Bill was a dedicated husband to Vera for 75 years, father of 4 boys who ALWAYS found a way to be at all of their events as they grew up.  Devoted Christian & witness of God's love to everyone he encountered.  Bill was a WWII veteran & served in the occupation forces in Japan.  Bill was awarded the Good Conduct medal and honorably discharged November 19, 1946.  Bill started a career with the Dallas Fire Department in April 1953.  He was later promoted to Driver /Engineer and retired after 27 years of service on March 31, 1980.  Bill & Vera were faithful members of Hickory Tree Baptist Church in Balch Springs, Tx, Bolivar Baptist Chruch in Bolivar, Tx, First Baptist Church in Sanger, Tx, and Great Oaks Baptist in Richmond, Tx.

After retirement Bill & Vera worked with The Texas Baptist Men's Association for many years spreading the word of God, building or working on over 200 churches.  They traveled from South Texas to New Mexico to Michigan and all over Texas.  They drove thousands of miles over the years with only one known breakdown!

Bill seemed to always have a garden of some type or at least one or two tomato plants.  He loved to cook sausage gravy with biscuits for Vera or whoever was at the house.  He always wanted you to feel welcome and comfortable.  If you came into his home, you were considered family and he loved being around family!

Thank you for coming to celebrate our loved ones life.  He was truly an extraordinary man with a heart like Jesus'.

Pallbearers:

Tyler Cole

Cobie Cole

Casey Cole

Connor Bellah

Lucas Cole

Christopher Shelton

Marty Cole

In lieu of flowers the family would request a donation be made to the Texas Baptist Mens Association or a church of your choice.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at DeBerry Funeral Directors in Denton, Texas. A funeral service will be held following, in the Chapel of DeBerry Funeral Directors at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Bolivar Cemetery in Sanger, Texas.