Gene Shepard Cole, 85, of Ozark, Missouri, formerly of
Liberty, passed away Monday, November 23, 2020, after a long illness. Gene was
born February 23, 1935 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Glen Richard and Vyvyan Shepard
Cole. A few hours after his birth, Gene's mother, Vyvyan, passed away due to a
congenital heart ailment. At the age of 3 days, Gene was sent to live with his
aunt and her husband, Lois Cole and Albert Fisher, who lovingly raised him as
their own. Gene graduated from Liberty High School in 1953 where he was a member
of the track team and wrote a humorous column for the Liberty Bell student
newspaper. He served in the Missouri National Guard for eight years and was
honorably discharged as a staff sergeant. Gene was fun-loving and ornery; in his
younger days he had a passion for hunting, fishing, hot rods and fast boats. He
relished the memories of time spent on his grandparents' farm in Kearney and was
a die-hard Chiefs fan.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Diana Gideon Cole; brother Jim
Fisher and wife Diane; two sisters Sally Sartain and husband Larry, Susie Koch
and husband Bob. He is additionally survived by two sons, Scott and wife Ann,
Steve and wife Jennie; two daughters Micki Wayland and husband Brad, Kris
Brentano and husband Mark; stepdaughters Janice Gann, Donna Loftis and husband
Steve; sister in law Judy Grant and husband Fred. Also surviving are 12
grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, adoptive parents Albert and Lois
Fisher and a brother Don Cole.
Funeral services for Gene will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 28, 2020 in
Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri. Burial will follow in Sparta
Cemetery. Services and arrangements are under the care and direction of Barnes
Family Funeral Home, Ozark. On line condolences may be shared at
www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com