DONALD COLE obituary

PLAINS - Donald Cole, 75, of Plains, died Monday, Aug. 22, 2005.

A memorial service was scheduled for 11 a.m. today at the Church of God in Plains.

Don was born on Feb. 19, 1930, in Great Falls to Earl Lester and Helen O. (Hoglund) Cole. During his early years, Don lived in several towns in Montana, Idaho and Washington. He graduated from Thompson Fall High School in 1948. Following the death of his father after Don's

graduation, the family moved to Plains, where Don began working as a logger. He logged in the Thompson River drainage and other areas in western Montana.

In 1954, he married Vera Blanchard. In the early years of their marriage and while beginning their family, Don and Vera lived where Don was working and spending time in Libby, the Yaak, Happy's Inn and Boycefert's Camp. In 1959, they made their home in Plains. Then in 1970, Don and Vera bought the Blanchard place, and Don continued logging and also began farming. In 1992, he retired from his career in logging but continued farming.

Don loved to work on the farm, and he also enjoyed reading. He was especially interested in World War II history. He loved to visit with others and was well-known for his story-telling abilities. Don's faith in God was also very important to him, he was devoted to his church, and he particularly enjoyed the music. He was the kind of person who was always willing to step in and serve.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Eric; and sisters, Carmen and Candice.

Survivors include his wife, Vera; sons, Wayne (Norma) of Plains and Earl (Ellen) of Chinook; daughter, Leanne (Robin) Huenink of Plains; brother, Merle Cole of Apple Valley, Minn.; sister, Cleo Blanchard of Plains; and five grandchildren.