Carson C. Cole Sr.

Washington – Carson C. Cole Sr., 72, of Washington, passed away at 1:16 p.m. Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria with his loving family by his side. He was born March 16, 1942 in Streator, IL to John M. and Mary M. Hallam Cole. Surviving are 6 children, Crystal Behrens of Peoria, Christine (Brian) Price of Mapleton, Robert “Boomer” (Yolanda) Cole of Washington, Chessie (Jonathan) Dow of Christiana, TN, Carson Cole Jr. (fiancé, Melissa) of East Peoria, Jana Oppe (fiancé, Ben Rogers) of Washington; 12 grandchildren, Conner, Chase, Braden, Demetra, Tanner, Destinee, Reagan, Carson III, Sam, Nadia, Shaun, Aidan. Carson was 1 of 18 children and is also survived by his brother, best friend, and partner in crime, Bill Cole and his wife Karen of Bellevue, along with his other siblings, John (Jill) Cole III of Streator, Devon “Pete” (Ronni) Cole of Waco, TX, Mildred (Ron) Murphy of Streator, Sami Jo (Ross) Frazier of Pahrump, NV, Craig (Diane) Cole of Azle, TX, Rose (Keith) Grant of Leesburg, FL, Mark (Alex) Cole of Streator, Chuck (Linda) Cole of Streator, Phyllis (Gary) Durree of Tucson, AZ, Randy (Kim) Cole of Fort Worth, TX, Jane (Jack) Duvick of Morris, and Ralph (Laurie) Cole of Streator. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Jackie and Carol Jean; and brothers, Mike and Stephen. Carson attended Woodland High School in Streator, where he played football. He worked at Caterpillar Inc., where he held several positions at facilities in East Peoria, with his last role being a supervisor at the Mossville Engine Center retiring in 2001 after 35 years of service. He had many hobbies that included mushroom hunting, fishing, hunting, golf, woodworking, junking, garage sales, and hosting swimming parties. He was always on the go and was never one to sit down for too long, unless it was on a barstool at many of the local bars. He loved his Dodge truck and playing card games with his family, especially Uno. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, but an even bigger Chicago Bears fan and almost never missed a game filled with family, food, and beer. He was also an SAL member of the American Legion Hall in Bartonville, Post 979. The family would like to extend special thanks to the people who helped Carson and his family through this journey; Dr. Gerstner and the staff at Illinois CancerCare; and his home away from home, the beautiful OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home. Heartfelt appreciation and warmest gratitude go out to the doctors, the amazing team of nurses, and the wonderful staff for the peaceful, loving care that was provided to Carson during the last days of his journey. A visitation for family and friends will be held at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2015. In Carson’s honor, Chicago Bears attire is welcome. Private burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Streator at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, 8630 Illinois 91, Peoria, IL 61615.

Carson C. Cole Sr.

March 16, 1942 - February 3, 2015