Obituary of Leonard Oscar Cole

Leonard Cole, age 88 of Osage Beach, formerly of Ferguson, Missouri, passed away peacefully at Lake Regional Health System, February 20, 2013, with his son by his side. Len, as all who knew him, was married 64 years to Grace Johnson Cole. To this union, they were blessed with two children, a devoted son Lee and his wife Dee; a beautiful daughter, Barbara Rubinson (Dr. Sam); five grandchildren, Sarah Levy (Benny); Tom and Mark Rubinson; Leonard E. Cole IV; Dr. Nick Stoffregen; two great-grandchildren Itai and Batya Levy; sisters-in-law, Mildred Johnson, Denise Anna (Dale) and dear friend Evah Johnson; one nephew Larry Lynch (Rose); and one niece Linda (Carl) Raney. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard Cole, Sr. and mother Edna (Braun); his sister Lorraine Lynch; his daughter Barbara; and his wife Grace. Len graduated from Fairview Heights School and went to work for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. He then volunteered for the Army Air Corps, where he served as a B-24 Gunner/Draftsman achieving the rank of Sergeant during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1947. He returned to the railroad retiring as a Project Engineer after 43 years of service. He then went on to the Robert W. Hunt Co. as a consultant for the Barnum and Bailey Circus trains for 18 years. Len and Grace retired to Osage Beach in 1983 where they shared their love of the lake, traveled extensively, and actively volunteering while being members of the Missouri Pacific Association; Lake of the Ozarks Railroaders Club; and 461st Bombardment Group (H). He was a member of Mizpah Mount Moriah Lodge #40 AF & AM in Florissant, Missouri, and he was a charter member of the St. Louis Tip Toppers. He enjoyed woodworking in his basement turning out many pieces including beautiful furniture and doll houses. Len was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and friend to many. He had a dry sense of humor which was intertwined with interesting stories of his boyhood and experiences in the Armed Forces. He will be missed by all who knew him.