Donald Thomas Cole passed away peacefully on January 27, 2022 in Portland, Oregon.  He was 86 years old.

Don was born on August 7, 1935 in Los Angeles, California to Clyde and Lola Cole. He joined the Navy during the Korean war at age 17 and was stationed for a time at Tongue Point, Astoria.  He would come into Portland on weekends with his Navy buddies which is how he met his wife of 56 years, Shirley Robertson Cole.

They were married on May 15, 1954 in Holy Cross Catholic Church in North Portland and raised four children there.  Don was a proud Longshoreman, was devoted to his family and enjoyed a long retirement at his property in the coast range, 'Cole's Camp'.

Don is survived by his daughter Penny Lytle; sons Michael and Paul Cole; grandchildren:  Alissa Clendenin, Brookelynn Sommer, Chase Cole and great grandson Miles Sommer.  He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley and son Steven.

A funeral mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 5202 N. Bowdoin, on February 19 ^th , 2022 at 1:00pm.  A celebration of life will take place following the funeral at the St. Johns Bachelor Club, 8204 N. Central Ave.     Private placement will be held at Skyline Memorial Gardens in Portland.