Henry Robert Cole, Jr.

Henry Robert Cole Jr., 76 years old, passed away Sunday, July 21, 2024, surrounded by his family in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on January 11, 1948, to Henry Robert and Mary Agnes Soltis Cole in San Fernando, California. He was raised by his mother, Mary and his stepfather, OG (Olaf Guildmire) Shuler in Carlsbad, CA. After graduating from Carlsbad High School. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines “The Magnificent Bastards” where he was wounded being awarded the “to Late to Duck Award” (Purple Heart). 

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Deborah Lynn Jackson Cole and 9 living children; Michael A. Wisincski (Karen – Deceased) Coalinga, CA, Catherine M. Hillis (Robert) Clovis, CA, Robert E Shuler (Courtney) Fulton, MO, Wendy L. Cole-Jarvi (Shane), Klamath Falls, OR, Stephen A. Cole (Malissa) Topeka, KS, Corrinne A. Macleod (Michael) White City, KS, Brandon W. Cole (Amber) San Antonio, TX, Julia A.C. Ivy (Mark) Maricopa, AZ, and Lora E. Cantrall (Chase) Crescent City, CA. 23 grandchildren Haley, Alyssa, Brady, Ty-Michael, Matthew, Savannah, Zachary, Nathanael, Ian, Adella, Cecily, Jax, Isabelle, Aeryal, Miranda, Ryan, Karen, Alexia, Leon, Duncan, Samuel, Johnathan, and Baby Cantrall. 18 great grandchildren and three sisters, Carol Ann Avellone Shields, Mary Cole Arnold, Henrietta Joyce Cole Rardin and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in death by his parents, sister Elizabeth Madelin Avellone Murray, brother Richard Erick Shuler, and daughter Shannon Michele Smith.

A proud member of the Mormon faith, he was an instant friend to everyone he met whether they knew him as Henry, Robert, Rob or Bobby. To all of his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren he will forever be known as Papa Cole. 

His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start many companies and businesses throughout his lifetime. His love of cars was legendary, as was his generosity and giving spirit. Henry loved reading history books and watching documentaries. 

He spent the final years of his life traveling the country with his wife of fifty years attending birthdays, graduations and special events of his extended family tree.

He will be remembered for telling jokes, talking in funny voices and his story telling. Always willing to give a helping hand, lend a car, money, or help someone with a job. His ability to listen and make you feel loved was unmatched. To his family some of his last words were “I Love You, Be Good”. He will forever be missed.

A Celebration of Henry’s life will be held at 11:30am, August 10, 2024, at the Dunlap Gymnasium, with burial following at Dunlap Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation. They may be sent in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, PO Box 273, Council Grove, KS 66846. 

To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.sawyerchapel.com.