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In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to be made in honor of Joe Cole to Meals on Wheels or Jay C Byers Memorial Library.
Joe Edward Cole, Jr. passed from this life on May 19, 2025, at the age of 72 after a courageous battle with cancer at his home in Terlton, Oklahoma.
Joe was born on August 21, 1952, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Joe Edward, Sr. and Mary Ann (Sizemore) Sumrall. He grew up in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, where he attended school and graduated from high school with the Class of 1970. During his time in school, Joe worked as a caddy and sacked groceries at the local grocery store in Sapulpa.
Joe's commitment to serving his country was evident when he joined the United States Army on June 13, 1972, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. His service was marked by honor and dedication, earning him several decorations and citations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Marksman Badge with the M-16, Expert Badge with the M-16, and the Good Conduct Medal. Joe's military service was a testament to his courage and commitment.
During his service, Joe married Yong Hee Song in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1973. After returning home, he furthered his education and trained as a machinist. Within five years, he became the supervisor of several departments at Superior Hard Surfacing. He also worked at N&S Flame Spray and Weins Machine Shop. On November 8, 1986, Joe married Judy McWhorter in Wellston, Oklahoma. While holding a full-time job, he continued his education and attended Langston University, graduating in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Joe didn't stop there; in 2003, he earned his Master's degree in Education, focusing on Teaching, Learning, and Leadership from Oklahoma State University.
Joe began his career at Cleveland Public Schools as a teacher before becoming the Assistant Principal and later the Principal of the middle school. He also served as a coach, taking on the role of head coach for the Cleveland Tigers Wrestling Team. Joe took pride in giving every child his full attention and love, fostering their growth and success. He was known for being stern yet forgiving, encouraging his students to excel. Joe was honored as the CMS Teacher of the Year, and the annual wrestling tournament in Cleveland was named the Joe Cole Classic, attracting thousands of wrestlers and spectators to a school he cherished. After 19 years of dedicated service, Joe retired from Cleveland Public Schools in 2017. He also served two separate terms on the Cleveland School Board, always advocating for the best interests of the students.
Joe's love for life was evident in his sense of humor. He was a lover of travel, often embarking on road trips with his wife Judy and family, marveling at the scenery. He had a particular fondness for the mountains, but his true joy was in exploring new places. Joe's humor also shone through in his love for gardening. He took great pride in his garden, especially his roses and peonies, often filling the best spots with flowers and leaving very few for Judy. He loved working in the yard, riding his tractor, and building things. He crafted tables for the porch and made numerous coffee and end tables for his family. One of his most artistic masterpieces was creating reindeer for his granddaughters. Joe's humor was a constant in his life, always ready to discuss current events and politics, though wrestling often dominated the conversation. He was described as kind, generous, hilarious, a prankster, hardworking, and dedicated.
Joe is survived by his wife Judy, three children: Jae Song of Sand Springs, Oklahoma; Evelyn of Texas; Christie Poole and husband Tommy of Jenks, Oklahoma; Jason Cole and wife Nicole of Celina, Texas; and grandchildren Alex, Jayden, Hagen, Jackson, and Kenzie. He is also survived by his stepmother Dixie Cole and a host of other relatives and friends who will mourn his passing.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Cole and Mary Sumrall; his wife, Yong Song; his siblings, Dianne Cole and Richard Cole; and his stepfather, Jim Sumrall.
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