David Charles Cole

David Charles Cole of Amarillo died peacefully on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, surrounded by his family.  He was 90.  He was born in Gainesville, Texas, on January 21, 1933, to David Lafayette Cole and Velma Orene Stephens, one of six children.

The family will receive guests at Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia on Saturday, January 20, 2024, from 3:00 until 4:30 PM.  A memorial service will be on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at 3:00 PM at Amarillo United Methodist Church, 3001 Bell Street. (St. Luke's Presbyterian Church) with Rev. Robert Burke and Rev. Becky Love officiating. A private interment will be held at Llano Cemetery.

David attended and graduated from a school in Gainesville.  He then attended North Texas State University, focusing on Education.  David was the first of his family to receive a college degree, and he later earned his Master of Education and many more hours beyond that.  He was greatly influenced by his mother, who supported him in his drive to succeed.  He taught school in Gainesville and Midland and served as Principal in Brownfield, TX.  He joined a new organization called PESO in Levelland, Texas, and then, in 1968, brought the family to Amarillo, where he served as Associate Director of Region XVI Education Service Center for many years.  He was often responsible for writing grants, including one in the development of the Don Harrington Discovery Center.

While living and attending school in Gainesville, David met his true love and wife of 69 years, Carolyn Cole.  They began their life adventure together on August 30, 1954.  David and Carolyn added to their family over the following years, including three daughters and one son.  Their children were also given a passion for Education, and all four entered into the profession in some way.

David is known by many as a caring and giving person.  He and Carolyn were faithful members of St. Stephens UMC and then Polk Street UMC, where they, together, led many programs and participated in numerous Mission Trips.  David was a much-loved teacher in the Covenant Sunday School Class and the Aldersgate Sunday School class.  He and Carolyn made many life-long friends and bridge partners at church, and Dad found his golf buddies.

To his family, he was a rock.  He was always available when one of his children needed him.  He was the moving company, piano mover, babysitter, loan officer, and so much more.  He would always encourage us to make a list of pros and cons while trying to make a decision.  Much to the children's dismay, one of his favorite answers to a problem was, "And this too shall pass." While irritating to hear, he was right.

David is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Maydene Dietz and Ruby Cole, and one brother, Stephen "Mac" Cole. Nephew, Steven Cole, and niece Linda Brown.

He has many who will be sharing his stories for years to come, including his wife of 69 1/2 years, Carolyn Blanton Cole; his children, Lynn Maxwell of Lewisville; Becky Cole Love of Amarillo; Cynthia Russell and husband, Steve of Tucson, AZ; and Joe Cole and wife Kim of Amarillo. His sisters, Ginger Grant and husband, Bob of Rowlett, Texas; Janet Morris and her husband, Frank of Gainesville, Texas; sister-in-law, Maxine Cole; sister-in-law, Emogene Daurity and husband, Jimmy of Bryan, Texas. Nine grandchildren: April Fleming and husband Walter; David Maxwell and wife, Jessica; Larisa Maxwell and wife, Jamie Jones; Jamie Garner and husband, Lane; Samantha Henson,  Molly McWhorter and husband, Aaron; Susie Eldridge; Aarika Cole Johnson and husband, Jordan; Jacob Cole and wife, Liz.  His most precious great-grandchildren are Jeremiah, Alexandra, Hudson, Greenleigh, Gracyn, Zion, Levi, Maddox, Jackson, Nathaniel, Micah, Gabe, Mayes, and Cooper. Many nieces and nephews.

David was passionate about giving others a "hand-up," so he requested that no flowers be sent.  To honor him, he would like everyone who knew him and wanted to honor his memory to give a gift to support a new church, Amarillo United Methodist Church, or to support the Ministry of the Downtown Women's Center.  He would also be pleased if you gave to any of your favorite organizations that help other people have an improved life.