Thurland F. Cole

Thurland F. Cole, 83, of Smyrna, died Saturday evening May 9, 2020 at home under the loving care of his family and Ionia Area Hospice. Thurland was born in Belding on April 22, 1937, the son of Albert and Laura ( Austin) Cole.

He proudly joined the United States Army at the age of 18 and was stationed in Germany.  He was in the 59th Field Artillery Battalion which oversaw the large weapons, specifically one of  the M65 Atomic Cannons, tasked with protecting Germany and Central Europe during the Cold War.  Thurland was proud of his years serving in the Army and attended  many of his Army reunions later held  in Missouri. He  retired from Gibson’s in Greenville after 40 years of service. In retirement he enjoyed wintering near  Mission, Texas.  Retirement  also gave Thurland time to enjoy his love of music and  playing guitar with many local bands and groups all around Michigan. He loved the many times he was able to travel and play. In earlier years he had enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Thurland is loved and survived by his son, Daniel W. Cole ( Tracy Darby) of Smyrna, grandchildren, Robert Roe, Joe Cole, Michelle Cole, Shleah Rushford, Daniel Cole Jr., great grandchildren, Kylie, Audrianna, longtime friend, companion and caregiver, Linda Marsh and her sons, Lyle and Lester and two sisters, Mary Hagadus  and Alice Ortiz. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Carol Lou, daughter Laura, son Thurland Jr., his brothers, William, Leonard, Robert, Albert and a sister May.

Graveside funeral services will be 1:00 PM Friday May 15, 2020 at Smyrna Cemetery with Pastor Darwyn Hassert officiating. Due to the Covid-19 virus those planning on attending the service please park  at the East end of the cemetery, remaining in your cars for the service. You will be able to listen to the service  by a speaker system. Military honors will be given by the joint honor guard of the Belding American Legion and the VFW. Memorials may be given to Ionia Area Hospice. Envelopes are available at the service or the funeral home.

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