Charles Cole

(From Parker Mortuary)

Charles Leon Cole, age 83, Joplin, passed away on Monday, December 5, 2022 at St. Luke’s Nursing Center with family at his side.

Charles was born September 17, 1939 in Joplin, Missouri, son of the late Glenn A. Cole and Adeline M. (Hall) Cole. He grew up in Alba where he graduated from Alba High School in 1957. He served in the United States Navy following high school, and returned in 1963 to begin work with Rocketdyne, then Teledyne where he retired October 13, 2009. He was a member of the Central Christian Center of Joplin.

Charles was very talented as a mechanic and was always tinkering with his cars and race cars which he enjoyed very much. He had many friends and fellow racers over the years. He was a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, and loved to go fishing, especially at Roaring River. He was also a gun enthusiast and worked on and built several guns over the years. He was always a fan of going fast whether on his bikes or in his cars. He will be missed by many.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Betty (Lewis) Cole; a daughter, Cindy Yount; brother, Dale A. Cole; and a son-in-law, Peter Morgan.

Survivors include his daughter, LeeAnn Morgan of Carthage; grandchildren, Brandon Cox, Jeremy Cox, Zachary Cox, and Caleb Morgan; 12 great-grandchildren, and his former wife, Rubie Ward of Joplin; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, December 12, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. in Parker Mortuary Chapel with Rev. Doug Wilkerson officiating. Interment will follow in Saginaw Cemetery with Brandon Cox, Jeremy Cox, Zachary Cox, Caleb Morgan, Don Cole, David Cole, and Dennis Cole serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at Parker Mortuary on Sunday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.