FORT LARAMIE – A memorial service for David Stanley Cole, 65, will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at the Fort Laramie Community Center in Fort Laramie with The Reverend Liz Morgan of the Fort Laramie Community Presbyterian Church officiating.
David Cole passed away at his home in Guernsey, Wyoming on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.
Dave was born on Monday, September 30, 1957 in Casper, to Stanley Eugene and Linda Lou (Matthies) Cole, joining his older sister, Debbie, at the family home in Casper. Dave learned all he could about the lumber business from his father, joining his parents in the family business. Two other brothers, Ron “Strawberry” and Randy joined the family while they lived in the mountains. Eventually they all moved to Douglas during the week in order to attend high school. Dave completed his education in Douglas while living with his grandparents, as his parents remained in the mountains working in the lumber industry. Cole Construction was formed in the early 1980s as a family business away from lumber and focused more on construction, specifically roads and oilfield.
Dave married the love of his life, Charlene Nearing, on April 6, 1991 in Torrington. They eventually moved to Guernsey, where they remained until the time of his death. To this union, two daughters were born: Sara Cole and Retha Cole.
Dave didn’t know a stranger and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. Dave loved driving his trucks and other heavy equipment. As the owner of his own business, he learned to do his own mechanical work, paper work, and whatever else was needed to succeed. Dave took pride in helping his parents, as well as his in-laws, Charles and Janet Nearing.
Spending time with granddaughters, Arianna, Cora, and Adeline was the bright spot of his day. They enjoyed riding the four-wheeler and side by side together. Dave will be missed by many friends and family members.
Preceding him in death were his father, Stan, on August 19, 2021; mother, Linda, on March 21, 2020; grandparents; and three brothers-in-law.
Dave is survived by his wife, Charlene (Nearing) Cole of Guernsey; daughters, Andrea Campuzano of San Antonio, Texas, Sara Cole (Jake) Peterson and family of Cheyenne, and Retha Cole (Sean) Cummings and family of Casper; his father and mother-in-law, Charles and Janet Nearing of Torrington; siblings, Deborah, Ron, and Randy and their families; and many friends.
Serving as urn bearer will be Travis Jude.
Honorary pallbearers will be Kenny Haefele, Gary Reed, Bryan Cole, Ricky Reed, Dennis Monger, Andy Cole, Eric Deininger, Richard Monger, and Harold Rexius.
Memorials made to the Fort Laramie Community Presbyterian Church of Fort Laramie would be appreciated by the family.
The Gorman Funeral Homes – Platte Chapel of Wheatland is in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com