Robert Wayne Cole

Robert Wayne Cole, an embodiment of kindness and quiet strength, peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones on May 15, 2026, at UT Southwestern University Hospital, Dallas, Texas. Born on June 26, 1946, in Breckenridge, Texas, he was a cherished son of Alfred Benjamin and Kathryn Louise (Kilpatrick) Cole. Robert's journey through life was marked by his deep love for family, nature, and service to others.

A proud graduate of Texas A&M University, Robert earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1970. He was a member of Pi Tau Sigma and ASME. He was employed by Brown and Root in Houston and later with Valero and Enterprise Products in San Antonio, from which he retired in 2014. His technical skills and work ethic were complemented by a gentle spirit that endeared him to colleagues and friends alike.

Robert's life was intertwined with the love of his life, Lois Ann Miller, whom he met while serving as a teaching assistant at Cisco Junior College. They married September 16, 1967, and built a life filled with laughter, adventure, and shared faith. Together, they raised a family that brought them immense pride and joy.

An outdoor enthusiast at heart, Robert found solace in the beauty of nature. He cherished time spent at the family farm, where he would often sit on the porch watching sunsets. His love for animals was evident in his affection for his pets as well as all wildlife.

Robert's commitment to youth and community was demonstrated through his involvement with many organizations over the years. In Boy Scouts of America, he led his son and young scouts on scuba diving expeditions to the Florida Keys and on hiking expeditions at Philmont in New Mexico, creating memories that would last a lifetime. In the YMCA Indian Princess Program with his daughter, he served as the Chief and proudly bore the name Gray Fox. Most importantly, he was active in his faith: serving his church, Bible Study Fellowship, mission trips, and Walks to Emmaus.

Robert is survived by his devoted wife, Lois Ann Cole of Eastland; his son, Benjamin Wayne Cole and wife, Lauren of North Bend, Washington; his daughter, Laura Anne Vagata and husband, Alessandro of Italy; his treasured grandchildren, Loralei and Ashlyn Cole, Riccardo, Livia, Adrian, August, and Anthony Vagata. He is also survived by his sister, Bennie Miller of Palacious, and brother, Charles Cole and wife, Anna of Arlington; along with nieces and nephews: Stephanie Ingersoll, Scott Holt, Patricia Reed, Matthew Reed, Ulyana Cole and his brother-in-law, Ron Reed.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland, with Pastor Robert Whitefield officiating. Interment will follow at Wayland Cemetery, located on FM 1852, Breckenridge, Texas. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service, starting at 1:00 PM, allowing friends and loved ones to come together to remember and celebrate Robert's special life.

His warmth, gentle heart, and unwavering spirit will live in the memories of those who had the privilege to know him. Robert will be dearly missed, yet his legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Doctors Without Borders at give.doctorswithoutborders.org, Cisco Senior Nutrition Program located at 1498 I-20 Frontage Rd., Cisco, TX 76437 or The Salvation Army at give.salvationarmyusa.org.