Francis Cole

Francis E. Cole, 82, of Marshalltown, died Thursday, September 3rd, 2009, at Southridge Nursing and Rehab Center.A memorial service will be held at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Arkansas City, Kansas at a later date to be determined. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Francis and his family. Ph 641-844-1234.Francis Eugene Cole was born on August 5, 1927, in Lamoni, Iowa. He was the son of Gilbert and Violetta Maxine (Doxstater) Cole. He attended schools in Lamoni and Albia, Iowa, graduating in 1945. On June 29, 1947, Francis married Margaret DeVries in Chariton, Iowa. The couple lived in Albia until 1973. They then moved to Arkansas City, KS, where they shared a home until 2004.Francis worked for John Morrell Meats (Rodeo Meats) for 37 years. He was a Boy Scout Leader in Albia and a member of Kiwanis of Winfield, KS for several years. Francis was a pastor of the Community of Christ Church in Albia, IA and Arkansas City/ Winfield, KS congregations.Surviving Francis are his children, Donald (Mardon) Cole of Marshalltown, James (Sarah) Cole of Brooklyn Park, MN, and Viola (Brian) Stalter of Anoka, MN; his 13 grandchildren, Jeremy, Shellie, Maggie, Andrew, Casey, Richard, Chris, David, Heather, Barry, Megan, Alec, and Jacob; his 10 great-grandchildren; his brother, Larry (Jonnie) Cole of Mesa, AZ; his son-in-law, Dennis Phillips, of Newkirk, OK; and several nieces and nephews.In death, he has rejoined his wife, Margaret; his parents, two daughters, Paula Danes and Mary Phillips, and one infant sister and two infant brothers.