MALTA-Don Cole 86, a WWII Navy veteran and retired attorney,
passed away on August 19, 2011, at an assisted living facility
in Bozeman.Memorial Services will be at the Kirkwood Funeral Home in Malta on Wednesday, August 24th at 1:00 P.M. Military honors will be given at the service. Condolences for the family may be left at www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com. Kirkwood Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Don was born at Litchfield, Minnesota on June 29th, 1925. After high school; he served in the Navy during World War II on the aircraft carrier Monterey in the 3rd fleet in the Pacific. He received 12 bronze battle stars representing 12 major naval engagements. He married Ann Rawlings in 1952 in Billings. Don received his law degree from the University of Montana in 1953. He practiced law in Poplar until he moved to Malta in January of 1957 to join Stephen Granat in his law practice. He practiced with Steve until 1982 and after Steve’s retirement, practiced individually until 1992, when he acquired Ed Amestoy as a partner, and later Dan O’Brien. Don served several terms as Phillip’s County Attorney, was post commander of the American Legion, was past master of the Malta Lodge #57 AF&AM, a 32nd Degree Mason, is Scottish Rite member and is a Shriner, and is past president of Malta Shrine Club. He was past president of Poplar Lion’s Club, past Elks Club Member, and a long-time member of the Malta Club.
Don is survived by his wife Ann of Malta and their two sons, Bill (Carrie) Cole of Billings, and Mike (Sheri) Cole of Bozeman, and five grandchildren, Don, Marilyn, Laura, James, and Kellie.
Guest Book
From: Darrell Kundert
Dear Ann and family. Our family was so sorry to hear of Don's passing. I always enjoyed our visits. With our Deepest Sympathy. The Kunderts.
From: Lynn Grimstad Williams
I have some great memories of Uncle Don during the several summers that my sister and I spent in Malta. He was a funny guy and loved to give us girls grief!! As my other sister said, we hope is playing some fantastic golf up at the great golf course in the sky. Play on Uncle Don and may you Rest in Peace.
From: Gene & Beulah Theroux
We were saddened to read of Don's passing. We first met Don when he and Ann moved to Poplar to practice law. I was a fellow Navy veteran, and American Legion member and worked with Don on city affairs. Later I too became an attorney and worked with Don several times on various matters. I saw him on a regular basis at Income Tax Institutes in Billings. We knew Don to be a highly respected friend and attorney. He Will be missed.
From: Carol(Bakke)Hammer
We are saddened by the news of Don passing away. We still remember all the good times at Flathead Lake together and the many Mackinaw caught. Hopefully there are fish for he and dad to catch in heaven. Our thoughts are with all of you.
From: Adrienne Hitch
Ann & Family,
So sorry to hear of Don's passing. You all are in my thoughts.
From: Diane (Didier) Smith
Ann, Mike, Bill and families: sympathies to you all on the loss of Don. He was friend to many, and will be missed by all who knew him.
From: Wendy Bedwell
Ann & family - You are in my prayers. I have fond memories of Don during the times when I worked for him.
From: Hurley and Myrna Wilson
Dear Ann and family,
Don was such a great fellow, and so good for us and the Koechel family, besides for the City of Hot Springs. May God Bless You.
From: Laurel Hines
Dear Ann, Bill, Mike & families: Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I too have fond memories of Don from the many years of working with him and visiting with him. He was a good man and we will miss him. Laurel & Dave Hines
From: Alan & Jami Tronson
Ann and Family,
Don will be greatly missed, Alan has great memories of golfing with him and we are so glad that we got to see you both when our daughter's choir was sing in Bozeman this last spring. Our prayer and thoughts go out to you.
From: Hurley and Myrna Wilson
Dear Ann and family,
As you can see by my first note to you, I know where I am but not where I was. Unreal that time passed so fast, but am sure all of the good memories of Don will linger on with all of us. Malta was fortunate to have him.
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