Gary A. Cole, age 83, a longtime rural Crestline area resident, died peacefully Sunday afternoon, September 22, 2024 at the Bluebird Retirement Community in Marysville. His death follows an eight-month battle with cancer.
Born November 6, 1940 in Shelby to the late Donald W. and Rachael V. (Keller) Cole, Gary graduated in 1958 from Tiro High School. Continuing his education, Gary earned a bachelor’s degree in vocational agriculture in 1962 from The Ohio State University and ultimately a master’s degree in natural science from The University of Oklahoma in 1969. Beginning his teaching career at Mansfield City Schools, 30 of his 33-year career was at Shelby High School where he taught earth science. Always keeping students engaged in the sciences, Mr. Cole took many students on hiking field trips in Hocking Hills and would meet students at the school at night so they could explore astronomy using the school’s large telescope. Many students will remember Mr. Cole for his well-known talent of being able to draw a perfect circle on the chalkboard with great speed and without lifting the calk from the board. Always engaged in Shelby athletics, he kept score and stats for the Whippet basketball program and wrote the computer programs for recording football and basketball statistics for the entire Northern Ohio League. He remained a dedicated Whippet fan until the very end. Mr. Cole retired in 1995 from his teaching career.
However, retirement did not last long for Gary. It was in 1997 that he ran for public office and was elected to serve as the Crawford County Treasurer- a role which he held for 20 years. This role replaced his public service as the Vernon Township Clerk from 1979-1997. Throughout his second career, Gary was proud to be instrumental in starting the Land Bank program in Crawford County which will continue to benefit the county residents for many years to come. Amongst many well-deserved professional awards and accolades, in 2014 Gary was named the Ohio County Treasurer or the Year from the State of Ohio and in 2016 the Bucyrus Chamber of Commerce named him Boss of the Year. At his retirement, the Mayor of the City of Bucyrus proclaimed September 1, 2017 “Gary Cole Day.”
Gary lived an active life of involvement, service, and support of numerous philanthropic organizations. A member of the Old Spokes Bicycle Club, the group not only rides, but also fixes bicycles and donates to those in need. Always supportive of the Crawford County 4-H program, in July of 2024 Gary was given the Friend of 4-H Award and was very proud to be inducted into the 2023 Shelby High School Hall of Distinction. Following his late wife Helen’s death, Gary made sure to keep her memory alive by continuing to volunteer with organizations that meant so much to Helen, such as delivering Meals on Wheels, the Bucyrus Backpack Program, and working the election polls. He was a longtime active member of the Calvary United Church of Christ in Crestline.
Gary happily married his wife of nearly 55 years, Helen F. (Bauer) Cole, on June 23, 1963. She passed on March 4, 2018. Additionally, his parents; stillborn sister: Janet Marie Cole; sister: Mary Ruth; and niece: Christina Minehart also preceded him in death. Surviving are his daughters: Kathy (Jim) Zaborowski of Cabel and Amy (Scott) Reed of Cincinnati; grandchildren: Samantha Zaborowski, Jennifer Zaborowski, Cole Reed, and Grant Reed; sister: Carol (Jim) Minehart of Upper Sandusky; in-laws: Kathryn Leathem of Caledonia and Edna (John) Rooks of Clearwater, FL; numerous nieces and nephews, including his nephew, Tim Ruth, who Gary treated as a son as he was growing up; and numerous other relatives and friends.
Serving on the Board of Directors of the Crawford County Council on Aging and Crawford County Park District, Gary especially enjoyed volunteering at the local parks, typically on Sundays, and was active in helping them succeed. Gary was proud to have been asked to pick a rock representing the Crawford County bedrock which is on display at the Geological Walk Through Time at the Ohio State Fairgrounds Natural Resources Park.
It should only be fitting that Gary’s services will take place at Lowe-Volk Park and Nature Center, 5401 SR 598, Crestline, OH 44827 on Sunday, October 13, 2024 (please note the exact date). Family will greet guests at the nature center building from 1-4 pm. For those who desire and are able, it is encouraged for guests to enjoy the entire park including the walking paths, waterways, nature, exhibits, and hiking trails. Certainly, appropriate dress for outdoor activities is welcomed- come dressed in what makes you comfortable. Gary’s funeral services will take place following the visitation at the nature center building at 4 pm with Pastor Diane Thomas, Gary’s pastor, officiating. A meal for guests will immediately follow the services.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following three organizations that meant so much to Gary: the Crawford County Parks District, Crawford County Council on Aging, or The Shelby Foundation for a future scholarship fund. Contributions may be made at the services at Lowe-Volk Park and Nature Center or mailed to the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875.
The Penwell Funeral Home is proud to provide care to Gary and his family. Condolences may be left on Gary’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).