Robert B. Cole

Robert B. Cole, 92, of Bloomsburg, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, January 23, 2022.  Born in Bloomsburg on September 12, 1929, he was a son to the late Clifton and Martha (Hock) Cole.

Robert attended Bloomsburg Area Schools.  On October 6, 1951 he wed the love of his life, the former Evelyn M. Croop.  They shared 69 years of marriage prior to her passing on March 5, 2021. In their earlier years, Robert and Evelyn enjoyed riding their Harley Davidson motorcycles.  They also enjoyed watching old western TV shows together. He proudly served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War.  Robert was a long-time employee of Magee Carpet Company and later worked at Camp Louise Girl Scout Camp.  He and Evelyn also operated Cole’s Melon Cup at the Bloomsburg Fair for more than 20 years.   Robert was a member of Bloomsburg American Legion Post 273.  He was an avid archer; belonging to numerous clubs and regularly competing in many tournaments.   He loved motorsports, especially watching his son and grandson racing at the dirt tracks, and was also a fan of dirt track motorcycle racing.  Robert loved spending time with his family, by whom he will be greatly missed.

Surviving Robert are his children:  Linda Stout of Berwick, Donna Chapin and companion, R.D. Young, of Bloomsburg, Chris Heydenreich and fiancé, Don Parkhurst, of Bloomsburg, and Alan Cole and wife, Karen, of Orangeville; grandchildren:  Shane Stout of Bloomsburg, Cheryl Slusser and husband, Cliff, of Stillwater, Melinda Vasilakos and husband, Kevin, of NY, and Tara Figard and husband, T.J., of NC; great-grandchildren:  Blake Stout, Quinlynn Slusser, Evelyn Figard, and Adeline Figard; brother, Jimmy Cole, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents and wife, Robert was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Dan Stout, and siblings:  Ed Cole, Ray Cole, Cliff Cole, Nancy Remener, and Grace Rance.

The family would like to thank Robert’s caregivers, Fabienne and Frances, for their support over the last year.

All are welcome to join Robert’s family for his graveside service at 11:00 AM Monday, January 31, 2022 at Pine Grove Cemetery Annex, Walnut Street, Berwick.  Pastor Scott Lyons of Stillwater Christian Church will officiate.  Memorial contributions in Robert’s name can be made to the American Legion Post 273, 110 Juniper Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.  The Kelchner, McMichael & Readler Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to serve the Cole family.  Online messages of comfort and support can be left at www.kelchnerfuneralhome.com. 

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