Leroy Cole

LeRoy Cole, son of James William Cole and Hazel Irene (Fisher) Cole, was born on April 17, 1935, in Houston, Missouri, and passed away on August 16, 2025, surrounded by his family at his home in Houston. He was 90 years old.

On February 6, 1955, LeRoy was united in marriage to Ethel (Altis) Cole at Providence Free Will Baptist Church in Cabool, Missouri. They shared 60 years of marriage, and to this union four children were born: Terry, Becky, Jimmy, and Irene.

LeRoy grew up in the Oak Hill community north of Houston, in the Strawberry Holler area. He attended the Oak Hill School and later went on and graduated from Houston High School in 1953. Raised on a farm with his five siblings, LeRoy developed a love for the outdoors at a young age. He enjoyed everything to do with horses, hunting, fishing, gigging, eating fish on the riverbank, and running rabbit dogs with his son-in-law Rick. He also cherished gardening with his wife, Ethel. Growing up, he attended the Oak Hill Church.

LeRoy was a charter member of the Eagles Club FOE 3911 and loved playing shuffleboard, a board member of 24 years for the Public Water Supply District #2, and a long-time employee of International / Brown Shoe Company. He and Ethel were also owners of the Chatterbox Café in Houston for many years.

A devoted family man, LeRoy’s greatest joy was spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He loved watching deer from his porch and sharing simple moments with those he loved most.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ethel; siblings Vernon Cole, Lester Cole, Wilferd Cole, Glen Cole, and Fern Marie Overy; his son-in-law, Rick Collins; daughter-in-law, Teresa Cole; sisters-in-law Agnes Cole and Ireta Cole; and brother-in-law Verl Overy.

Surviving LeRoy are his children: Terry Cole of Wayne, Oklahoma; Becky Collins of Houston, Missouri; Jimmy Cole (Trish) of Success, Missouri; and Irene Massey (Troy) of Houston, Missouri; his sisters-in-law, Amy Rose Cole and Glenna Cole; 12 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren and 2 more soon to be born great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

LeRoy will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oak Hill Cemetery in honor of LeRoy. Envelopes will be available at the church, in care of Bradford Funeral Home.