Jean Pierre Cole

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Born in Evanston, Wyoming to Anne Mae (Polly) Connor Truett Cole and Basil Smith Cole, he grew up living at Pine Gables Lodge in Evanston with the exception of a brief time in El Paso, Texas.

At age 17 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Korean conflict.

Upon returning, he became a USMC reservist while attending Utah State University and graduated in 1958 with a B.S. in Physical Education. He played football for the Aggies 1956-1957.

After graduation he re-entered active duty in the Corps and retired in 1978, having also served in Vietnam 1968-1969.

He was a pistol and rifle expert and the recipient of many decorations including the Korean Service Medal (with 3 stars), Navy Commendation Medal (with “V”), Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation (Gallantry Cross with palm), and Vietnam Service Medal (with 4 stars). He was a graduate of several military schools including Special Forces Explosives and Demolitions and Command and Staff College.

He later served as deputy and detective in the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department, retiring in 2010. At the time he was the oldest candidate to complete BLET; he loved his job and the people he worked with.

He married Ruth Lowham in Coalville, Utah on May 25, 1951, later divorced.

He is survived by their children Karen Jean Cole O’Driscoll and Michael R. Cole (Shae), 6 grand children: Sean O’Driscoll (Lisa), Amanda O’Driscoll Lawrence (Aaron), Rachel O’Driscoll, Shelly O’Driscoll Terry (Scott), Brian Cole (Robin), David Cole (Erika), and 6 great-grandchildren.

Inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Semper Fi