Donald C. Cole

Donald C. Cole, age 87, formerly of New Philadelphia and of Hennis Care Center at Bolivar, a servant of God, entered into the gates of heaven: where His Lord said unto him, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matthew 25:21 KJV).

Born in West Virginia on April 3, 1928, Donald was the son of the late Louise Baldwin. He was raised in Goodyear Heights, Akron and was a graduate of East High School. Following his graduation, he attended the University of Akron where he earned his undergraduate of Art Studies and later returned to receive his Masters of Education.

He began his teaching career with Akron City Schools and retired from Hyre Junior High as an art teacher, following a 37 year career. Throughout his tenured teaching career, Don enjoyed coaching Junior High track, volleyball, softball and basketball. After retirement, he enjoyed coaching track at Fairless High School.

Prior to his retirement, many of Don’s summer months were spent working for the City of Akron paving streets and sealing playgrounds. He also enjoyed painting houses, working on projects at his home, and helping his children with their home projects.

On November 21, 1956, Don married the love of his life and wife of 56 years, Dara Lee. Together, the couple raised four children. Don and Dara taught Sunday School classes for 40+ years at the Canton Baptist Temple where Don also served as the Sunday School Superintendent. In their later years, the couple shared a nursing home ministry for five years at Manor Care in Canton. Don faithfully cared for Dara at their home in the latter years of her life during a long-term illness until her passing on December 16, 2012.

Don, a man of great faith and devotion to Jesus Christ, was also a student of the Bible. He recently became a member of the First Baptist Church at New Philadelphia. He loved attending and supporting his grandchildren’s activities and as he entered into the nursing home, the teacher in him returned, as he often taught drawing classes for other residents.

He will be deeply missed by his children; Lee (Sherri) Cole of Alliance, Randy (Darlene) Cole of Willoughby Hills, Rick (Sherry) Cole of New Philadelphia and Carla (Patrick) Cloonan of Kirtland, Ohio; his grandchildren, Caleb and Taylor Cole, Jeremy (Kim) Cole, Amanda (Chris) Greene, Austin (Kristin), Parker and Hudson Cole, Noah, Jordan, Emma, Michaela, and Madison Cloonan; and his nephew, George (Debbie) Stump.

The family will be forever grateful to Lisa Pawley who faithfully cared for both Don and Dara for many years.

The family will greet guests on Friday, November 20, 2015 from 5-7 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia, where Pastor Jeff Bartell will lead a service celebrating Don’s life in the funeral home’s chapel at 7 PM. Following the service a time of food and fellowship will be shared in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home. Private burial will take place in the Northlawn Memorial Gardens in Peninsula, Ohio.

Memorial contributions in Don’s memory may be directed to Canton Baptist Temple, 515 Whipple Ave NW, Canton, Ohio 44708.