Lawrence Edward “Nutsy” Cole, 73, of Hillsboro, died on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at Carlinville Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
Graveside services will be conducted Thursday, March 16, beginning at 2 p.m. at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield with full military rites. Heinz Funeral Home in Carlinville is assisting the family.
Mr. Cole was born March 15, 1949, in Hillsboro, to Robert and Iris (Hawley) Cole.
He served in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1972 during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Eversole, homeported in California.
After his service, Mr. Cole worked for Asarco/Midwest Zinc for over 30 years until his retirement in 2008. He was a member of the Local Laborers Union.
He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), where he served on the Color Guard and marched in several local parades. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his friends and family.
Mr. Cole is survived by his daughters, Brandy Cole and Jeanie Nockman, both of Litchfield, and Carmen Cole of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren, Shailen Conlee, Corporal Christian Hemken, Darian Hemken, Rilynne Nockman, Billy Nockman and Shelbea Nockman; and two great-grandchildren, Adalyn Potter and Jaxsyn Bailey.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.heinzfuneralhome.com.
