Donald Joe Cole was born October 15, 1939 to Lee and Odeca (Morton) Cole in Cheyenne, Oklahoma. He passed away August 9, 2015 in Torrance, California.
Donald is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Sumiko and his pride and joy, only son Randy and wife Tina and three step children all of California. Donald has had the love and support of his family for almost a year now with his declining health.
Donald joined the United States Army on October 17, 1964 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina He was stationed in Germany and Japan where he met Sumiko; they were married in 1965. Donald officially retired from the Army on March 13, 1969 at Fort Ord, California.
After living in several cities in California they made their home in Torrance. Donald worked in aerospace as a carpenter for 24 years. After retirement Donald and Sumiko went to different cities to meet up with Army buddies and their wives once a year. Donald had a permanent date with NASCAR every weekend and loved growing tomatoes. He would call back to Oklahoma telling about his green thumb success stories. Donald’s family and friends were very important to him and he never forgot his Oklahoma roots.
He is also survived by his only sister, Shirley Allen, Cheyenne, Oklahoma; three nephews Gary, Mike and Keith Allen and their families. Many special cousins family in Japan and friends all over the United States; Aunt Elizabeth Dean and Uncle Cecil Morton.
Those who preceded in death are a brother, parents and grandparents.
Cheyenne Star, August 27, 2015