Chief Master Sgt. Ronald Brent Cole, 53, of Arnold died March 13, 2019, at his home. Mr. Cole received a bachelor’s degree in 1991 from Washington University, then served 32 years in the Air National Guard. He volunteered at his church as a Eucharistic minister, Parish School of Religion teacher, fish fry volunteer and Education Commission member. He was also a Scout leader, a youth sports coach and volunteered at Sherwood Elementary School. He trained his family’s dog Daisy to be a service animal for patients at the VA Hospital. He was in the process of obtaining a pilot’s license. Born July 13, 1965, in St. Louis, he was the son of Sharon L. (Politte) and Ronald E. Cole of St. Louis.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years: Colleen Marie (Farrell) Cole; two children: Blake Cole and Courtney Colleen Cole, both of Arnold; a brother: William “Bill” (Nancy) Cole; two brothers-in-law: Chris (Tracy) Farrell and Dan (Kathy) Farrell; a sister-in-law: Sally (Jim) Robinson; his mother-in-law: Marsha Farrell; a grandmother: Velva Cole; and numerous family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Numan Cole and James and Dorothy Politte; and his father-in-law: John C. Farrell Jr.
Visitation will be from 8-10 a.m. Friday, March 22, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, 309 Hoffmeister Ave., in south St. Louis County, followed immediately by a Funeral Mass officiated by Father Joe Weber and Deacon Alan Boedeker. Burial will be in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Dept. 5930, P.O. Box 4110, Woburn, MA 01888; the United Service Organization, P.O. Box 96860, Washington, DC 20077; or the American Cancer Society, 4215 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis MO 63018. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, De Soto.