Leroy Cole
W. Leroy Cole passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Wichita, Kansas at the age of 88. A creative soul, Leroy was born on October 4, 1936, in Pryor, Oklahoma. He was a dedicated family man who shared his sense of humor through his ever present “dad jokes”. He was an embodiment of love and faith. He lived a life worthy of emulation, touching lives with both his warmth and generosity.
Leroy was a man of many talents and accomplishments. Following his service in the U.S Army from 1959 to 1962, he responded to a divine call to preach and attended the Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs, CO. He became an ordained pastor in the Church of the Nazarene, pastoring for two years each in Yerington, NV, and Severy, KS. His service did not end there, as he continued to serve the church as both an ordained elder and as the treasurer at the Wellington Church of the Nazarene for many years. In the secular world, Leroy was a supervisor in the aircraft industry, retiring from Pre-Mac following a 26-year career. His hobbies included woodworking, woodturning, gardening, and traveling, with trips to Hawaii and an Alaskan cruise being his favorites.
Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose,” was Leroy’s favorite Bible verse, a testament of his unwavering faith and dedication to his Creator. Leroy was a meticulous man, valuing details and precision. His love for his family was second to none, and his faith was just as important to him.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Jeanett Cole, with whom he shared 62 beautiful years of marriage. In addition, he is survived by his beloved children: Linda Bowman, Kathy Bashaw, and Nancy Cole all of Wellington, Kansas, along with Timothy Cole and wife Janette of Pittsfield, Illinois, and Vicki Conant and husband Kevin of El Dorado, Kansas; his brother, David Cole and his wife Cynthia of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his grandchildren: Shelby Bailey and husband Tyler of Lawrence, Kansas; Jared Bashaw and wife Samantha of Overland Park, Kansas; Chip Cole of Dallas, Texas; Ellianna Cole of Pittsfield, Illinois; Jordyn Conant of El Dorado, Kansas; and Tobias Conant of El Dorado, Kansas; and his great-grandchildren: Theodore Bailey, Lola Bailey, and Roman Mungai. Leroy is preceded in death by his parents, W. George and Myrtle (Bullinger) Cole; a sister, Madge Schueneman; and his brothers: Alfred R. Cole, Billy R. Cole, and Jerry D. Cole.
A viewing will be held at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, June 12, 2025 with the family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to receive guests. Funeral services for Leroy will begin at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 13, 2025 in the Wellington Church of the Nazarene. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Udall Cemetery in Udall, Kansas.
Memorial contributions can be given in his memory to the Wellington Church of the Nazarene, 702 West 8th Street, Wellington, Kansas 67152. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.
Share your memories or offer condolences on his tribute page at www.cornejofuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, Wellington, Kansas.