Donald was born July 18, 1930 to Russell Lloyd and Vera Lorraine (Clum) Cole in Harrisonville, MO. He graduated from Harrisonville High School with the class of 1948. After high school, Donald enlisted with the United States Air Force. Upon his discharge, he met the love of his life, Trulla Gladman, and they were married on November 12, 1955 in Harrisonville, MO. Donald attended Rankin Technical College, graduating in 1959. After beginning his career at W.H. Clum and Son with his grandfather and uncle, he then went to work for Local #533 as a pipe fitter in Kansas City, MO. Donald retired in 1992, and received his 50-year recognition in the spring of 2022.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Harrisonville. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his family at the Lake of the Ozarks. After retirement, Donald enjoyed traveling the world with Trulla. His children and grandchildren loved hearing his stories and seeing photographs from their adventures. He will be remembered for always being proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and forever missed by those who knew him.
Donald is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Grant Cole; and his sister, Carolyn Allen. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Trulla Cole, of the home; his daughters: Julie Pieschl of Minneapolis, KS; and Cynthia Cole of Lehi, UT; his daughter-in-law, Shelley Jansen of Harrisonville, MO; 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.
