DOUGLAS – Stanley Eugene Cole was born Oct. 11, 1933, in Douglas to Elvin "Red" and Cora Cole. He was the fourth of seven children. Siblings included the late Lyle Cole and Bernice Hill as well as Betty Shelden, Norma Huxtable and Janice Steckley all of Douglas.
He graduated from Douglas High School in 1952 and married Linda Lou Matthies July 10, 1955. He is survived by four children: Deb Rainey of Independence Iowa, Dave Cole of Guernsey, Ronald and Randy Cole of Douglas, 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. His wife Linda passed away in March of 2020.
He was always a rugged individualist with several ventures. Initially he did ranching and farming around Douglas, but then bought and operated a sawmill at the foot of Laramie Peak from 1968 to 1978. In 1978 he began clearing for Greyrocks Reservoir outside Wheatland, did years of construction (roads, dams, etc.) all over Wyoming, always with the help of his children. He bought and operated a sheep ranch in the Red Desert near Jeffrey City for many years before retiring outside Wheatland.
He passed away Aug. 19, 2021, after a brief illness in Torrington. Funeral services will be held at the Episcopal Church, 442 E Center St. in Douglas, beginning at 2 p.m. A reception will be held at the church following the graveside service.
