August Bill Cole

August Bill Cole, 85, of Goodland, KS passed away at Topside Manor in Goodland, Kansas on February 22, 2025. He was born on February 7, 1939 to Gerald and Martha (Schields) in Cheyenne County, Kansas.

He attended Edson High School and graduated with the class of 1956. He was married to Virginia Follett and had two children, Bryce and Vivian. On January 2, 1983 he was united in marriage to Nancy Harrison in Grand Lake, Colorado. 

Bill was a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church and was a lifetime member of the Goodland Elks Lodge. He was an avid bowler and traveled across the country participating in national tournaments. Bill always looked forward to the first week of pheasant hunting season when friends would come to town to hunt. He enjoyed sitting in his recliner and watching every old western he could find, but his true joy came from driving his tractor and working on the farm. 

Bill is survived by his children Bryce (Jessica) Cole of Goodland, Kansas, and Vivian Cole of Westminster, Colorado. His five grandchildren Grace Cole of San Diego, CA, Henry Cole of Houston, TX, Eve Cole of Manhattan, KS, Taybor Guokas of North Glenn, CO, and Baylee Makarov-Junev of Lockbouie, Colorado. His is also survived by two great-grandchildren Jaxon Guokas of North Glenn, CO and Claire Makarov-Junev of Lockbouie, CO.

He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy, his parents Gerald and Martha, two brothers Curt and Allen Cole and his two children that died at birth.

Memorials may be made out to the Goodland BPOE Elks Lodge #1528 and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.