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1943
2021
With immense sorrow, the family of Richard Allan Cole announces his passing at the age of 77 on 28 March 2021 at Stone Oak Methodist Hospital after a battle with pulmonary fibrosis.
He was the youngest of seven children born to Cyril and Juanita Cole on 2 October 1943 in the small Pennsylvania town of Braddock. Malcolm was the oldest sibling, followed by Patricia, Edward, Ronald Dean, Judy, and Robert. Their mother passed away in 1948 when Rick was only five. The children were raised together in the Concordia Lutheran Children's Home in Butler, Pennsylvania where they learned Christian values and a work ethic the Cole children carried with them throughout their lives. Rick joined the military at the young age of 18 and served for 24 years in the Army where he accumulated six Meritorious Service Medals. While serving as a Combat Medic in Vietnam he earned the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and multiple other medals. He retired from the Army at the rank of Master Sergeant. He obtained his bachelor's degree in business administration, and then in Registered Nursing License. He served in many capacities during his career as a nurse including as an orthopedic case manager and a home health specialist. He was a man of faith, loving God above all else; and regularly attended Community Bible Church in Bulverde where he loved to serve with the Security Team. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion, avid RVer, and made an apple pie that was finer than frog's hair. There was never a dull moment with Rick, "Pops" as he was called by many.
Whether it was traveling this great country which he loved so much, or telling a story that we all heard a hundred times, Rick filled a room with his presence.
Words cannot say how much he will is missed by his wife, Nancy, daughters, Annette, Margarete and her spouse Leo Padilla; Melissa Rea and Henery Grady; Christina and her spouse Terence Frankland; and his son Kelly Strout. He will also be missed by his grandchildren Tristan, Lori, Sierra, Eric, Chloe, Cole, and Sadie; and his surviving siblings Malcolm, Judy and Bob; numerous nieces and nephews and his four legged companion, Gidget.
A private Committal of Ashes ceremony with full military honors was held at Fort Sam Houston.
You are invited to celebrate Rick's life at Community Bible Church in Bulverde at 11:30 A.M. on 26 April.
The church is located at 7100 US HWY 281 N, Spring Branch, Texas.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
In 1996 I was new to San Antonio and Methodist Hospital. I worked with Rick on the Orthopedic Unit. One day I casually mentioned something to Rick about my health. Without hesitation, and in a way only Rick could express, he emphatically told me to get it checked out. I am here today because of Rick. I´ve thought of him many times throughout the years. His simple honesty. His love for Nancy. I know he must be greatly missed by those who loved and knew him. My sincerest condolences to the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lee Matelyan-Holliday
Work
October 3, 2022
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