Robert Cole

Robert "Bob" William Cole, 90, born January 26, 1930 in Cerro Gordo, Illinois to Edgar Everett Benson and Mary Maude Cole Snoke, passed away August 25, 2020 in Ocala, Florida.Bob was raised on a farm and enjoyed telling the story of riding his horse "Nellie" to school. At 17, Bob joined the Navy and began his 21 year career, serving all over the world and United States, including Japan, Hawaii, Morocco and Puerto Rico to name a few. Upon retirement from the Navy, Bob began a career in property management, overseeing apartment complexes and beach side condominiums. In his free time he enjoyed going out on his boat, bowling, being a member of the Elks club, spending time with family and traveling the world. In his final years, Bob moved to Ocala to be closer to his family and loved spending time with his granddaughter and great granddaughters as well as going to his favorite diner, Scrambles, to eat biscuits and gravy. He was preceded in death by both parents; his wife of 28 years, Patricia Ann Steioff Cole in 2014; son, Robert William Cole, Jr., and a brother David Blickenstaff.Bob is survived by his grand daughter, Allison Negrin Lanza (Christian); great grand daughters, Lisset Cristina Lanza of New York City, Livia Zoila Lanza of Ocala, Florida; daughters, Pamela Cole Mitchell (Edward) of Reno, Nevada; Dana Cole Negrin (son-in-law James Negrin) of Belleview, Florida; 3 additional grandchildren; 5 additional great grandchildren; siblings, Patricia Blickenstaff Cripe of Cerro Gordo, Illinois, Judy Blickenstaff Tuvell of Cerro Gordo, Illinois, Irwin "Bud" Blickenstaff Jr. of Cerro Gordo, Illinois and many nieces and nephews living in Illinois and Virginia as well as 4 step children. Bob was a strong, proud and good man. He is loved and will be missed by many. Bob will be laid to rest next to his wife, Patricia, 1:30, Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at the South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 South State Road 7, Lake Worth, Florida 33449. Words of comfort will be spoken by active duty Naval Chaplain Israel Cordoves. Bob will then receive full military honors in recognition of his service to our grateful nation.

Robert Cole

January 26, 1930 - August 25, 2020