He proudly served in the United States Air Force for four years as a jet engine mechanic and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. While in high school, Bob would meet the love of his life and future wife, Marlene Cole. Along the way Bob made many, many friends. Some were lifelong friends from his time in school or the service. Others were from work, whether they be from his time in the coal mine, in sales, or from his career as a licensed financial planner.
Yet countless more came from casual encounters, the pool or the golf course. He made friends everywhere he went. He, quite uniquely, befriended many members of the medical teams that tended to him over the years. He and his family desired to express their gratitude to all of these kind and compassionate people for the care they provided.
The compassion shown during this time additionally includes all the people of faith who tended to his soul. Thank you all. He spoke to his family and as many friends as he could to say goodbye in his final days. People expressed their love and recalled old stories. Bob loved socializing and making people laugh. He will be remembered as a happy and loving man who brought joy to those around him. No one was more touched by his joy and energy than his family.
This lifetime of love and laughter shared with his friends and family left an imprint on all and is his greatest lasting legacy. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Patricia; a brother, John; a stepsister, Linda Radovich; father- and mother-in-law, Bob and Pearl Cole; and a brother-in-law, Bobby Cole.
Rest assured that upon entering heaven he was greeted with open arms by his mom. She will be so proud of the man that he became. Brother John will undoubtedly already have a tee time set up for him and his friends. May he find eternal peace and love there and as was his wish may we nurture our relationship with God during our remaining days so we may one day meet again. Here on earth may we always cherish our memories of him and strive to live a life of love and laughter, which he so uniquely embodied.
