Robert C. Cole

Robert C. Cole, 94, of Lodi, Ohio, passed away on August 21, 2026 following a 12 week illness.

He was born February 4, 1932, in Ruggles Township, Ohio, on the Cole family farm to the late John D. and Gladys (Pickworth) Cole, then the family moved to their farm in Homer Township. Robert graduated from Homerville High School in 1950 and joined the Air Force Air National Guard located in Mansfield, Ohio where he served for over ten years.

Following his military service, Robert worked for the Lodi Foundry as a core-die cast maker for aircraft components. He was a lifelong farmer, working not only on his parents’ farm but on his grandparents, Sibyl and Calvin Pickworth, farm as well for many summers. To remember Robert is to recall how hard of a worker he was his entire life. Robert was a long-time member of the Homerville Grace Brethren Church and he loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and reading the Bible. It brings his family and friends great comfort knowing that we will be reunited in heaven, for those who live in the Lord will never see each other for the last time. Robert’s simple pleasures were wearing his baseball cap, being a Cleveland Guardians fan, his many beloved pet dogs, and his daily ice cream. Some of his greatest joys in life were reminiscing of his many life memories, giving lessons in history especially concerning past United States Presidents.

Robert’s memory will be cherished by his children Sibyl (Alex) Olszewski, John (Stacey) Cole, Betsy (Paul) Manos. Grandchildren Sarah (Joshua) Nagy, Genevieve Manos, Noelle Olszewski, Robert Olszewski, Bryan and Kelly Purcell. Sister Gwynetta Peachy (Gene) High, whom he considered his brother. Two great granddaughters, Adaline and Eloise Nagy. Cousins, Deb (Dennis) Blanton, Mike and Jim Cole. Texas sister-in-law Ernestine Cole and nephews: Danny and Jeff Cole, Gordan and Keith Campbell as well as other nieces and nephews in his Ramsey family.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents John and Gladys Cole, Infant son Clark Cole, brother’s Melvin and Danny Cole and cousin Alan Cole. The family will receive friends at Matteson Funeral Home in West Salem, OH from 10 to11am on Tuesday, August 25,the funeral will be held immediately afterwards from 11 to 12 am with Pastor Bud Olszewski officiating. Internment will be at the Maple Hill Cemetery, Homerville, OH.

The family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses from the Cleveland Clinic of Akron, Lodi and Medina for their compassion, understanding and guidance, as well as all the care givers from the JAG Burbank Parke team, especially Megan and Alicia.

The Matteson Funeral Home staff is honored to serve Robert's family and the community. If you would like to share a photo or memory of Robert with the family, please do so at mattesonfh.com