Johnny Lee “John” Cole, age 75, of Exeter, Missouri passed away Friday, July 14, 2023, at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Missouri surrounded by his family.

He was born June 26, 1948, in Cassville, Missouri the son of Garr and Blanche (Hulett) Cole. In 1968 in Purdy, Missouri he was united in marriage to Linda Hendrix, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Jason Cole and his wife Tracie of Exeter, Missouri and Mike Cole and his wife Amy of Exeter, Missouri; one daughter-in-law, Jamie Cole of Washburn, Missouri; one sisterin- law, Esther Cole of Cassville, Missouri; five grandchildren, Madelyn, Kylee, Kaden, Riley and Layten and several nieces and nephews he loved dearly.

Preceding him in death were his parents; an infant daughter, Meredith Cole; one son, Todd Cole; five brothers, Garr Lloyd, Cal, Todd, Bill and Russell and two sisters, Helen and Darlene.

John grew up and attended school in Exeter, Missouri graduating from Exeter High School in 1966. He owned and operated John Cole Farms and Ozark Drywall Supply and served on the Security Bank Board of Directors from 1988 until 2023. John enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs play ball. Some of his favorite pastimes were farming, deer hunting, riding the gator around the farm with his dogs, picking blackberries, brush hogging and mushroom hunting, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and loved his grandchildren greatly. He was a member of Ridgley Baptist Church.

Services were held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Pastor James Weaver conducted the services. Burial will be at Maplewood Cemetery in Exeter, Missouri.

Contributions may be made to Maplewood Cemetery in memory of John.