(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)Just after midnight on Monday, January 17, 2022, Leslie Thomas “Tom” Cole, Husband, Father, Grandfather, and friend to many, passed from this earth to be with his heavenly Father at the age of 93.
Tom was born May 11, 1929 in Joplin, Missouri to William E. Cole and Almeda E. (Meadors) Cole. He enlisted in the United States Army on December 17, 1946 and honorably served his country for over 26 years, retiring from service on June 30, 1973 as a Command Sergeant Major. His service spanned the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and he was stationed at various places all over the world.
He had lots of stories about his time in the armed forces as a Combat Engineer of the 1st Cavalry Division and 20th Engineer Battalion. After retiring from the Army, he worked for the Joplin Globe delivering the news to the residents of Joplin, and with his military discipline, he earned the title of “The Legend”. He retired from his newspaper delivery routes in 2005.
Tom married Ileen Fay Malone on November 25 1949 in Bentonville, Arkansas. To this marriage six children were born, Frank Carson, Mary Jane (deceased), Leslie Thomas. Jr. (deceased), Regina Rose, Rosemary, and Tony (deceased). After 52 years of marriage, the Lord took Ileen to be with him and Tom found Carolyn Mitchell, whom he married on June 16, 2006. He was quickly accepted into Carolyn’s family and gained an additional three children, Justin Leroy (deceased), Jennifer Lynn, and Jeffrey Lane.
Tom accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior in 1972 and served his Lord ever since that time. He most recently served in Lone Elm Pentecostal Church where he taught the adult Sunday School Class and preached the message when called. Tom was a member of Carl Junction Lodge #549 where he was installed as Master of the Lodge on September 14, 2015. He was a 32⁰ member of the Valley of Joplin Scottish Rite and was an enthusiastic supporter of the Masonic Lodge.
Tom was preceded in death by his father William, his mother Almeda, his daughter Mary Jane, his son Leslie, Jr. and his son Tony. He is survived by his wife Carolyn of the home, his children Frank and wife Elba, Regina and husband Clary, Rosemary and husband Darrell, Carolyn’s children, Barbara wife of Justin, Jennifer and husband Richard, and Jeff and wife Terry. He is also survived by numerous Grand and Great Grand Children and two Great Great Grandchildren.
Tom was a true warrior and a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather, Friend, and Brother and will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him. The family would also like to thank Compassus Hospice for their caring and loving support of our family during this time.
Funeral services have been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 21, 2022 at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Burial will follow at Osborne Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.
Tom married Ileen Fay Malone on November 25 1949 in Bentonville, Arkansas. To this marriage six children were born, Frank Carson, Mary Jane (deceased), Leslie Thomas. Jr. (deceased), Regina Rose, Rosemary, and Tony (deceased). After 52 years of marriage, the Lord took Ileen to be with him and Tom found Carolyn Mitchell, whom he married on June 16, 2006. He was quickly accepted into Carolyn’s family and gained an additional three children, Justin Leroy (deceased), Jennifer Lynn, and Jeffrey Lane.
Tom accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior in 1972 and served his Lord ever since that time. He most recently served in Lone Elm Pentecostal Church where he taught the adult Sunday School Class and preached the message when called. Tom was a member of Carl Junction Lodge #549 where he was installed as Master of the Lodge on September 14, 2015. He was a 32⁰ member of the Valley of Joplin Scottish Rite and was an enthusiastic supporter of the Masonic Lodge.
Tom was preceded in death by his father William, his mother Almeda, his daughter Mary Jane, his son Leslie, Jr. and his son Tony. He is survived by his wife Carolyn of the home, his children Frank and wife Elba, Regina and husband Clary, Rosemary and husband Darrell, Carolyn’s children, Barbara wife of Justin, Jennifer and husband Richard, and Jeff and wife Terry. He is also survived by numerous Grand and Great Grand Children and two Great Great Grandchildren.
Tom was a true warrior and a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather, Friend, and Brother and will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him. The family would also like to thank Compassus Hospice for their caring and loving support of our family during this time.
Funeral services have been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 21, 2022 at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Burial will follow at Osborne Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.
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