Norman Ray Cole

Norman Ray Cole, age 81, lifelong resident of Haskell, passed away on Thursday evening, October 31, 2024, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, OK. He was born on November 21, 1942, in Haskell, OK to Cecil and Bertha Lenora (Davenport) Cole. Norman's life was a tapestry of love, service, and joy that touched everyone he knew. 

Norman's journey began in the small town of Haskell, where he attended school and graduated from Haskell High School. His thirst for knowledge led him to college, where he majored in psychology, a field that reflected his deep understanding of and compassion for others. Norman's professional life was as diverse as his interests. He served his community as a Broken Arrow firefighter and telephone service repair man before finding a long-term career as a forklift operator at Rockwell International, which later became Boeing. There, he dedicated many years of service until his well-deserved retirement.

On April 3, 1961, Norman married the love of his life, Betty Lee Smith. Their union was one of adventure and spontaneous travel, with memorable trips to New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Hawaii, Mexico, Colorado, and many other destinations. They particularly enjoyed the beauty of fall foliage along the Talimena Drive. Norman's love for Betty and family was a constant in his life. 

Norman's zest for life was evident in his many hobbies and interests. He was an avid gardener, taking pride in his squash, zucchini, and watermelons. Music was a passion, with cajun, gospel, and country tunes often providing the soundtrack to his days. An enthusiast of the open road, he loved riding motorcycles and camping. Known affectionately as the "Alligator Man," Norman was famous for chasing the kids around the pool, always ready to share a laugh and a splash.

A true jack of all trades, Norman built his own home board by board, showcasing his remarkable skills in carpentry and mechanics. Even at the age of 75, he was roofing his house, a testament to his enduring strength and independence. His daughters fondly remember him as a loving father who enjoyed embarrassing them in good fun, leaving them with tons of memories.

Norman's legacy is carried on by his daughters, Brenda Dunlap (Kerry), Tracy Cole, and Melissa Cole (Christopher Beene); his ten grandchildren, Jodi Dunlap, Holly Salinas (Tony), Lauren James (Zach), Kenney Parker (Lauren), Sam Dunlap, Brayden Watkins, Jack Brycen Watkins, Cole Beene “Noodle”, Vanessa Beene, and Faith Beene; and his seven great-grandchildren, Kyson James, Mason Salinas, Kolby Browning, Keylee James, William Salinas, Kaidee Parker, and Savvy Dunlap. He is also survived by his siblings, Bill Cole, Karen Antu, Doris Cole, and Everett Cole, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

Preceding him in death were his beloved wife, Betty Cole; his parents, Cecil and Bertha Cole; and his siblings, Robert Cole, Doyle Cole, Shirley Dean, and Arlene Mathews. 

The Church of Christ in Haskell, OK will be serving lunch in their annex building before the service at 2:00 pm on Monday, November 4, 2024. All friends and family are welcome to attend.  

A memorial service celebrating Norman's life will be held at 6:00 PM on Monday, November 4, 2024, at Brown Funeral Home Chapel in Coweta, OK. The service will be officiated by Everette McAnally, honoring a man whose life was a beacon of happiness and whose presence brought joy to all.

Family and friends are invited to share their memories of Norman online at www.brownfamilycares.com. The family has entrusted Norman Ray Cole's care, cremation, and service to Brown Funeral Home & Cremations, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, OK 74429, 918-486-5515.