Obituary for Donald Ivan Cole
On the morning of December 28th, 2020, Ivan Cole, loving father and grandfather passed away at the age of 81.
Ivan, a football star in high school, attended a Sunday school class where he first met his wife, Peggy Cole, who claimed she threatened her best friend to trade her seats to be able to sit next to him in class. His “broad shoulders” and “dimple in his chin” are what first drew his wife to him but after they began to go steady, she fell in love with his giant heart and ability to make her laugh. The two were married September 1st, 1962 and remained madly in love for 60 beautiful years.
Ivan received a Bachelor’s degree in engineering from Purdue university and thus began his career that lived long beyond his retirement from Sinclair Oil Co. in downtown Dallas, Texas. He loved working and was always looking for a project or opportunity even into his last days.
He was a man of God and an example to so many. His giant heart drew people to he and his wife Peggy and became a part of the Cole’s extended family. Many referred to Ivan as “Poppa Cole”, as his grandkids called him, after spending a short time with him because he truly made them feel as though they were a part of his family.
Ivan’s life was beautiful and he continually proclaimed how blessed he was to have lived it. Though his chapter may have come to a close, his legacy will remain through his son, grandchildren and the many lives he and Peggy impacted.
Ivan, a football star in high school, attended a Sunday school class where he first met his wife, Peggy Cole, who claimed she threatened her best friend to trade her seats to be able to sit next to him in class. His “broad shoulders” and “dimple in his chin” are what first drew his wife to him but after they began to go steady, she fell in love with his giant heart and ability to make her laugh. The two were married September 1st, 1962 and remained madly in love for 60 beautiful years.
Ivan received a Bachelor’s degree in engineering from Purdue university and thus began his career that lived long beyond his retirement from Sinclair Oil Co. in downtown Dallas, Texas. He loved working and was always looking for a project or opportunity even into his last days.
He was a man of God and an example to so many. His giant heart drew people to he and his wife Peggy and became a part of the Cole’s extended family. Many referred to Ivan as “Poppa Cole”, as his grandkids called him, after spending a short time with him because he truly made them feel as though they were a part of his family.
Ivan’s life was beautiful and he continually proclaimed how blessed he was to have lived it. Though his chapter may have come to a close, his legacy will remain through his son, grandchildren and the many lives he and Peggy impacted.