Robert Dean Cole, 91, of Commerce, Okla. died Monday, September 25, 2023 at his home. Born October 7, 1931 in Lowell, Robert was the son of Leonard and Della (Epperson) Cole. They preceded him in death. Robert was also preceded in death by his wife Elsie Joann Cole April 12, 2020, a son Robert Dean Cole, Jr., stepson Danny Joe Garrison, brother, Wayne Cole and sisters, Beatrice Foley and Louise Norman.
Roberthadlivedin Commerce since 1980 and graduated from Commerce, Okla. High School with the class of 1950. He served in the United States. Air Force for 23 years retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant. After retirement from the Air Force, he worked at N.E.O. College in Miami, Okla. in the maintenance department. Robert was a member of Cardin Baptist Church and V.F.W. Post 147 in Miami.
Robert is survived by sons, James Dean Cole (wife Joshlyn) of Los Angeles, Calif. and Terry Lee Cole wife Lori) of The Colony, Texas; daughter, Malana Cole of Fort Worth, Texas; stepsons, Bill Garrison, Jr. (wife Jerri) of Quapaw, Okla. and Paul Garrison and (wife Pam) of Oklahoma City, Okla.; stepdaughters, Joann Castle (husband Marty) of Miami, Okla. and Rebecca Baldwin of Commerce, Okla. Nine grandchildren, Melissa Patton (husband David) of Miami, Okla., Michell Trent of Moore, Okla., Joshua Garrison and Jason Garrison both of Quapaw, Okla., Samantha Baldwin of Commerce, Okla., Jessica andAmanda Cole both ofThe Colony, Texas. Stacey Larocaue (husband Landon) of Melissa, Texas and Maggie Bell of Fort Worth, Texas; along with sevem great grandchildren, Leiana, Layla, Brenna, Layden, Dylan, Piper and Devyn. also survive.
Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, September 30, at Baxter Springs Cemetery in Baxter Springs. Reverend John McEuen will officiate. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Air Force Honor Guard. Mike McCoy, Ed Stillwell, Buddy Kerley, Dick Karnes, Ben Karnes and Dale Heatherly will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday evening at Paul Thomas Funeral Home Chapel in Miami, Okla. Services have been placed in the care of Paul Thomas Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Miami, Okla. Online condolences may be made at www.paulthomasfuneralhomes.com.