John Phillip Cole

     John Phillip Cole, age 95 of Harrisburg passed away at 11 AM, Friday, June 20, 2025 at Eldorado Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

     Phillip was born in Oak, Illinois on April 18, 1930 to the late Samuel “John” and Pearl Mae (Fritts) Cole.  On June 16, 1956 he married Lotella Wesley and she preceded him in death on November 15, 2014.  Phillip earned his Master of Arts degree then worked as a high school teacher for 13 years.  He served as a missionary teacher for 25 years, serving in Liberia, West Africia at Rick’s Institute for twenty years, one year in Togo, and four years in Mombasa, Kenya.  Phillip attended North Williford Baptist Church.  He served his country as a Staff Sargent in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.  Phillip loved photography and making slide stories.  He also enjoyed gardening and growing flowers for Mother’s Day.     

     Phillip is survived by his special niece, Marilyn Hammond and husband Charles of Eldorado; nephew, Thomas Jonathan Cole of Somerville, Massachusetts; Jeffrey Steven Cole of Cocoa, Florida; nephew, Eric Paul Cole of River Falls, Wisconsin; and niece, Sara Lynn Cole of South Bend, Indiana.

    In addition to his parents and wife, Lotella, Phillip was preceded in death by his brothers, Thomas Alan Cole and William Arthur Cole.

     Funeral services for John Phillip Cole will be held at 1 PM, Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Stricklin Funeral Home.  Rev. Keith Ital will officiate and burial will follow in Sunset Lawn Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 11 AM to 1 PM, Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Stricklin Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to North Williford Baptist Church or the International Mission Board and will be received at the funeral home. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Phillip Cole, please visit our floral store.