Robert Cole
Retired USAF Col. Robert A. Cole, 65, of Fairview Heights, Ill., born Dec. 28, 1943, in Blythe, Calif., died Friday, May 1, 2009, at his residence.
Col. Cole was retired from the United States Air Force where he served for more than 24 years in many different capacities including piloting C-130's and received many commendations for his service. He received a bachelor's of science degree from Purdue University; he was president of the Sunday Night Early Bird Mixed League and a member of the American Legion Post 435 Glen Carbon, Ill., Alfa Tau Omega, Air Force Association, and the Order of Daedallans.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Perry S. and Margaret V., nee Jeffrey, Cole; niece, Melissa Cole; mother-in-law, Roberta Munzert; and sister-in-law, Nancy Keeton.
Surviving is his wife, Rose Mary, nee Munzert, Cole; a son, Christopher (Karen) Cole of Abingdon, Md.; a daughter, Courtney (Michael) Flynn of Fayetteville, Ark.; a sister, Virginia (Patrick) McConnell of Apple Valley, Calif.; a brother, Jeff Cole of Scottsdale, Ariz.; four grandchildren, Connor, Cole, and Carly Flynn and Kaitlyn Cole; father-in-law, Lester Munzert; nephews, Kevin and Mark Cole; David and Kristopher McConnell and Craig Keeton; other relatives and many friends.
Memorials are appreciated to the U.S.O. or the American Cancer Society.

Visitation: Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2009, at Lake View Funeral Home in Fairview Heights, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at Lake View Funeral Home in Fairview Heights, Ill. Interment will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Mo.