Obituary: Gary Cole, 79, of Ludington

Gary Cole

Obituary: Gary Cole, 79, of Ludington

Gary Edward Cole, 79, of Ludington, passed away on October 24, 2023.

Gary was born in Ludington on December 11, 1943, the son of Edward and Almeda (Campbell) Cole. Gary graduated from Ludington High School with the class of 1960.  He served in the United States Navy, stationed on the USS Lowry. Gary married Linda Davenport on February 6, 1965 and they celebrated 44 years of marriage before her passing in 2009.

Gary pursued a career as a route driver for Pepsico for 26 years, retiring in 1992. He later worked at Express Mart. Outside of work, Gary had a variety of hobbies. He was a member of the Danish Brotherhood in Ludington and enjoyed playing cards, visiting casinos, collecting antiques, going on bus tours to see the fall colors up north, and most importantly, spending time with his family.

Gary is survived by his sons, Edward Cole and Robert Cole; his brothers, Jerry (Sally) Cole and Dennis Cole; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and his best friends, Soojka Bayer, and Clarence and Geri Dietz.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Cole; his parents, Edward and Almeda Cole; his daughter, Melody Cole Ray; his grandchildren, Chelsey Ray and Skyla Cole; and great grandson, Gage Cole.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, with visitation starting at noon. Please join us in remembering and celebrating Gary’s life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Please share your photos and fond memories of Gary at www.OakGroveLudington.com.

Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington is honored to assist the family during this difficult time.