Walter Lee "Walt" Cole, 85, of Vandalia, died on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, in Vandalia.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, at Miller Funeral Home in Vandalia, with Pastor Tim Weihrauch, officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., two hours prior to the service at the funeral home.
Mr. Cole was born March 10, 1938, in Decatur, the son of Clifford H. and Wilma F. (Nalley) Cole. He married Marilyn Mae Wodtke on Feb. 13, 1965, in Vandalia. Mr. Cole was a 1956 graduate of Vandalia Community High School. He worked as a heavy equipment operator and was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 520 for over 66 years and never missed a day logging a total of 135,765 hours. He spent 10 years at Alton Lock & Dam #26 helping with its construction. He worked in heavy equipment sales and was affiliated with the First Pentecostal Church. Mr. Cole was a member of the Vandalia Moose Lodge and a past member of the Masons, Shriners and Fraternal Order of Eagles. He liked hunting, fishing and boating, playing the lottery and watching Wheel of Fortune, Price is Right and the Food Network. He especially loved spending time with his family, taking them on Sunday scenic drives.
Mr. Cole is survived by his wife, Marilyn Cole of Vandalia; daughter Marilee (Greg Blackburn) Stine and son Cash Cole; grandchildren Nikki (Stine) Tingle and Ricky, Ethan Stine, Zane, Liea, Tori, Sara, Justin and Brandon Blackburn and Autumn Cole; great-grandson Hollis Cole; brother Danny Cole and Deanna of Knoxville, TN; and cat, Curious.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law Louie Stine; grandchildren Dylan Lennon Stine; and sister Dee Ann Thompson.
Memorials may be made out to the American Heart Association of St. Louis and/or Shriners Hospitals for Children. Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.millerfh.net.
