Chris Cole

Chris Allan Cole, 58, of Olathe, passed away unexpectedly on July 1, 2020. He was born on October 21, 1961 to Allan and Connie Cole in Colby, Kansas. Chris was many things, but most people remember him by his desire to help others, his hard-working mentality, and his playful, compassionate heart.

Growing up in Goodland, KS, Chris could be seen working with his father at the farm, driving the school bus, or fixing up old cars (or really anything else he could get his hands on). By night, he was an ornery, girl-chasing rebel dragging Main Street. It was in Goodland where he met the first love of his life – a blue 1967 Camaro SS. Thus began a passion for cars that would last until the day he passed away. Chris spent much of his time planning, refurbishing, and re-refurbishing his Camaro; he could never quite get it how he wanted: perfect. He passed on his passion to his son, Haedyn, who helped him rebuild their 1979 Trans Am in 2019.

Having worked at a motorcycle repair shop shortly after graduating high school, Chris also developed a passion for motorcycles. He enjoyed long rides on his Harley with his wife, Kathy Cole, and had often gone on cross-country road trips with his best friend, Mike Horniman, who preceded him in death.

Chris attended Kansas State University and graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Prior to graduating, Chris married Taunya Schamber Cole in 1984, and had two children, Alexa Cole (daughter) and Haedyn Cole (son). He tried his best to instill his love for KSU Football on his children by attending countless football games with them in Manhattan; however, much to his dismay, they ultimately both attended the University of Kansas. Over the following 32 years, Chris started and ran multiple successful businesses, and had recently partnered with his good friend, Ty Herron, in purchasing a FedEx delivery company.

Chris’s desire to help others was always evident, from providing caring support for his mother and three sisters after the death of his father in 2000; to helping someone he had just met get back on their feet. Chris was always there when others needed him, and he never expected anything in return. He was a handyman, mechanic, plumber, tile guy, landscaper, roofer, chef, entrepreneur, and loving father, among many others.

Before remarrying Kathy Worland Cole in 2018; Chris single-handedly renovated the entirety of their Olathe, KS home in less than 6 months. Kathy and Chris loved spending time together on the back porch of their home, drinking Miller Lite at Chris's shop for “Guy Day Friday” with their friends Ty and Mike, and visiting their favorite neighborhood restaurants and bars, where everyone seemed to know Chris like family.

Chris and Kathy also enjoyed weekly visits and afternoons spent with Alexa, Haedyn, Maddy, and Kathy’s five children and two grandchildren, Ross (son), Rudy (son), Kristin (daughter), Shannon (daughter), Alex (son), Lorenzo (grandson), and Viviana (granddaughter). Upon his children's departure for college, Chris insisted they come home for weekly Sunday night dinners, which quickly turned into a regular tradition. Through these gatherings, Chris discovered his hidden talent for smoking ribs, causing his children to request them repeatedly. Chris was eager and excited to become a Grandpa, frequently urging both of his children to hurry up and “get to work” on having babies. In the meantime, he was overly joyed when he got to babysit his grand-dog, Chesney.

There was never a dull moment with Chris, his playful nature could brighten spirits and bring relief to the most stressful situations. Our time with Chris was cut too short, but his infectious laugh and benevolent personality will never be forgotten.

Chris is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Cole; daughter, Alexa Cole (Austin, Texas); son and daughter-in-law, Haedyn and Madisyn Cole (Prairie Village, Kansas); mother, Connie Cole (Goodland, Kansas); and sisters, Cathy and Mark Carman (McCook, Nebraska), Kay Lea and Randy Carri (Goodland, Kansas), and Kim Cole and Dan Oborny, (Goodland, Kansas).

He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Allan Cole; and grandparents, Ron and Evelyn Rose and Gerald Cole and Martha Cole Stamm.