Dennis Cole Obituary

Dennis A. "Denny" Cole

May 22, 1940 - Apr 3, 2024

Milan

Dennis "Denny" Cole passed away peacefully in his sleep Wednesday morning, April 3, 2024, at home after a brief illness.

Denny was a lifelong resident of Milan, graduating from Milan Indian High School in 1958 where he participated in football and FFA. After high school, Denny married the love of his life, Mary "Fran" King, on Sept. 7, 1963. They were married for 60 years. Denny worked at Dorr Chevrolet in Milan before opening his own business. He owned and operated the Denny's Gulf gas station in Milan from 1977-1980. After 1980, he moved down the road and operated Denny's Auto Service until he retired in 2001. After retirement, he worked part-time at Menard's for numerous years.

Denny loved to tinker around the shop with projects, woodwork, garden, and fish. He enjoyed demolition derbies, tractor pulls, attending Paul Bunyon shows, and Farm Science Review in London, Ohio. Denny was the last living Charter member of Milan Edison Lions Club. He was a member of Norwalk Eagles 711 for over 30 years and was also a member of Lake Erie Antique Power tractor club. Denny loved spending time with family and friends. He was fond of spending time with the "fellas" in the mornings, drinking coffee at Milan Coffee Shop and in the afternoons at Village Drive Thru. He was never short of a joke or quirky comeback.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary "Fran" (King) Cole; four children, Archie Cole of Norwalk, Mike (Carrie) Cole of Milan, Lisa Braden of Milan, and John (Megan) Cole of South Solon; seven grandchildren, Andrew, Jessie, BreeAnna, Denny, Brett, Jordan, and Brandon; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild yet to be born; and sister, Gail (Cole) Griffin of Lexington, South Carolina.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents, John and Elizabeth Cole; brother, Glenn Cole; and daughter-in-law, Karen Cole.

Per his request, there will be no visitation or funeral.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory to Edison High School wrestling program.

Toft Funeral Home, Hinman Chapel, 38 South Street, Berlin Heights, is handling arrangements.

Condolences may be shared online at toftfuneralhome.com.