"Billy was an old softball playin' buddy from many years ago. But, I don't think we ever played on the same team. Perhaps I got to know him because we were a couple of the older fellows playing. It was always fun to play against him and his squad because they were always good sports, and we could share some friendly banter and some good memories of previous games."
In loving memory of
William Richard Cole Jr. (Billy)
September 23, 1941 - March 16, 2024
Livestream Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjlGh5ensCk
William Richard Cole Jr. (Billy), age 82, of Ames, died at ACCURA Health Care in Ames, surrounded by his family. A visitation will be 4:00-6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 21, with a Scripture service to follow at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 2900 Hoover Ave., Ames, Iowa. You are encouraged to wear your favorite sports team attire to the visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 22, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. A burial will take place at Ames Municipal Cemetery immediately following the service.
Billy was born in Oelwein, Iowa, on September 23, 1941, the son of William Richard Sr. and Irene (Clark) Cole. He grew up in Stanley, IA, and graduated from Oelwein High School. He was married on October 8, 1962, to the love of his life, Betty Ann Veach and they spent 61 wonderful years together. Billy retired in 1979 after serving 20 years in the United States Air Force. He and Betty were stationed in Nebraska, Alaska, Missouri, Illinois, Alabama, and Nevada. Billy also served one year in Vietnam from 1969-1970. After retirement, the couple then moved to Ames, where they spent the remainder of their years together. Billy enjoyed spending time with his family, playing cards, and riding his bike. Billy was an avid softball player, playing until he was 75 years of age. Billy's greatest passion was spending time with his grandchildren, taking them camping, golf ball hunting, and Sunday night ice cream trips. Billy was a very faithful man and a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church.
Billy is survived by his wife, Betty; his children, William Richard (Gayle) Cole III of Cedar Rapids, Ann (Steve) Shuey, and Douglas (Dawn) Cole, all of Ames. Seven grandchildren: Stephanie Shuey, Patrick (Alex) Cole, Chelsey (Nic) Schultz, Dylan (Kaitlin) Cole, Aaron Schultz, Kendra Cole, Ryan (Valeria) Cole, and seven great-grandchildren, with one due in April. Billy is also survived by his siblings: Mike (Carole) Cole, Kathy (Jay) Mixdorf, Larry (Donna) Cole, and his Aunt JoAnn (Leo) Birchard, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to thank the staff at ACCURA Health Care Center and Suncrest Hospice for the wonderful care he received. Memorials may be directed to St Cecilia Catholic Church or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"Consolation for the family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mary Ebertsch Oakley"
"I remember Uncle Bill's relaxed personality and easy-going smile. We are so sorry for your loss! Sending thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. Love, Debbie and John"
"Bill, Betty, and their kids were in our Ames Christian Family Movement (CFM) group years ago. We always appreciated his leadership and wisdom regarding how to navigate the ups and downs of life in a Christ centered family. He always shared a smile and happy personality. He will be missed. Our deepest condolences to Betty and your family."
"So sorry for your loss Mike and family. May he rest in peace and his memory bring smiles of all the wonderful times you had together. Dave and Vicki Warthan"
"I met Billy in the summer of 1985 while playing noon-hour basketball on the ISU campus. Billy was around 44, retired from the Air Force, working at the ISU post office, and a regular at the gym. That was the beginning of 15 years and hundreds of basketball and softball games together. For many years, Billy drove an old white car he called Ralph with a trunk full of sports gear ? T-shirts, shoes, caps, clubs, racquets, bats, balls, ready for whatever game might break out. I remember talking to Dr. K. (George Knaphus) one time about the difference between our early intramural softball teams, which were decent, and later teams that often won championships. The key difference, George said, was that Billy Cole started playing with us ? ?He?s a pro and shows how to play the game?. Billy anchored the left side of the infield with his smooth glove and a sweet swing at the plate. On the basketball court, he preferred a 20-ft jump shot to a layup. To Betty and the family ? thank you for sharing Billy with us. He loved playing so much. Rest in peace, Billy C. ? you were the best. Charlie Block "
"An icon around the gyms and ball fields. RIP Billy. Sincere sympathy to your family. Thoughts and prayers to all of you. Keith Kohler and family."
"We so enjoyed having Billy and Betty as across-the-street neighbors for several years. Billy had such a positive outlook and enthusiasm for life, especially his family and sports. May many, many good memories bring comfort to his family. Warm regards, Sue & Greg Lamont"
"Billy was a dear, dear friend for 50 years and will be sorely missed. There are so many wonderful memories of our times with him and Betty. They were role models to us in the early years of our 48 year marriage. The faith and love he projected every day will live on in his children and grandchildren. God bless you, Billy, and rest in peace. Love, Buddy and Sue"