David Gerald Cole

David Gerald (Jerry) Cole passed away Tuesday, June 11th at his home. David was born in Cole’s Bend in Barren County on July 29, 1930, to the late Kirk and Audrey (Lowe) Cole. David was a kind and gentle spirited man, loved Jesus and serving others. He was devoted to his family and loved watching the WKU Hilltoppers and UK Wildcats. He was a tough opponent at the pool table and loved to play with anyone that enjoyed the game. He taught Gary and Denise to play when they were young and also enjoyed many games with his sons-in-law, Ron and Jerry. He was affectionately known as “Granddaddy”. 

David graduated from North Warren High School in 1950 and joined the US Navy. He was a veteran of the Korean War. Upon returning home from the war, he attended Western Kentucky University where he obtained his bachelor’s degree. After graduating, he was a county extension agent for Simpson and Monroe Counties. He also was an assistant manager for Ag Services.

He then began his teaching career in the Bowling Green Independent Schools system. He began teaching science at T C Cherry School and moved to BG Junior High School in 1970 and remained there until his retirement in 1991. He taught 7th, 8th and 9th grade science classes during his teaching span.

David has been an active member of Plum Springs Baptist Church for over 50 years. He has served as the Church Clerk, Sunday School teacher, drove the church van, helped with bible school many years and made his homemade biscuits monthly at the Brotherhood Breakfasts. He also took great pride in mowing the church yard and the church cemetery. Before joining Plum Springs Baptist Church, he was a member of Forest Park Baptist Church where he served as a deacon.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Lucille Cole; a son, Gary Cole; a daughter, Teresa Butler Butt; siblings, Kenneth Cole, Don Cole, Ralph Cole, Eleanor Cole Dawsey, Kathleen Cole Scheckel, and Steven Cole; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnn Cole; a daughter, Denise Cole; a brother, Willard Cole (MaryAnn); a sister, Joanne Puckett; two granddaughters, Jennifer Huelsman (Eric) and Stephanie Doyle; a stepdaughter, Kem Haley (Jerry); great granddaughters, Anna Huelsman, Aurora Doyle, Lucy Huelsman and Eva Huelsman; a step grandson, Jason Haley (Ali); a son-in-law, Ron Butt (Tina); several nieces, nephews, cousins, sister-in-law, Betty Smith. 

Visitation will be at Plum Springs Baptist Church, 2080 Plum Springs Road, on Friday, June 14th from 4 pm- 8 pm and from 9 am -11 am on Saturday, June 15th. A memorial service will be held on Saturday at 11 am at the church. The family has chosen cremation. Arrangements under the direction of Hardy & Son Funeral Home, Bowling Green Chapel. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Plum Springs Baptist Church, Hosparus Health Barren River or St. Jude.