John Ray Cole, age 83, of Monroe, passed away Sunday, July 17, 2022, at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital after a short illness.
John was born at home on February 13, 1939, to Scott Cole and Mary Meadows Cole. On July 29, 1991, he married Nancy (Bender) Robinson in Tazewell, Tennessee.
He attended Lincoln Elementary and Monroe High Schools. He joined the Army, spending two years in Germany as a Recovery Specialist and Convoy Leader with a rank of Spec 4. John was also the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal. After discharge, he then spent four additional years in the Reserves
He was a welder for Monroe Steel Casting until its closing. He was a participant in the remodeling of the famous dog that stood out front for many years. John attended Motech Diesel/Truck Mechanic School in Warren, Michigan. He worked for Leaseway Penske Trucking in Toledo, Ohio. John retired from First Vehicle Services repairing school buses for the Monroe Public School system. He was featured in School Bus Fleet Magazine for inventing a technique to repair school bus seats, saving money for the district.
John and wife Nancy enjoyed camping in their RV with their grandchildren. As an avid NASCAR fan, they often camped the in-field at MIS raceway Brooklyn, MI.
His Harley Davidson was his pride and joy. Spending time on road trips with friends. John was a member of the American Legion Post 40 and American Legion Riders where he participated in many fundraising events for charity.
He also enjoyed time in the Fraternal Order of Eagles and Moose Lodge 884 both in in Monroe.
John met with friends most mornings at Roy's Marathon Gas Station for coffee and conversation. John and best friend "Pops" visited the Monroe VFW 1138 every Tuesday to spend time and reminisce with the other veterans.
To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife of 31 years, Nancy; son, John Allen; daughter, Marcia (Greg) Calloway of Cecelia, KY; stepchildren, Renee Brooks, and David Brooks; sisters, Mary Helen Blohm, Linda (Larry) Krueger; brother, Roger (Wanda) Cole; grandchildren, Tabbitha, John, Bobby, and David; step-grandchildren, Adrianna, Nicholas and Shane and many great grandchildren.
John was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Charles; two sisters, Cora Dell and Geraldine and brother-in-law, Jerry Blohm.
Many thanks to those who went above and beyond participating in John's care. Especially the doctors and nurses in the ER, 3rd, and 4th floors and ICU Special thanks to Chaplain Paul who was there for John and family with prayers and blessings.
Cremation has taken place and private interment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Bacarella Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Memorial contributions in John's name can be made to the VFW Post 1138.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .