John William Cole

John William Cole of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, was born on October 18th, 1937, in Missoula, Montana to Shirley Cole and Laura Ahniwake Cole. He passed from this earthly life on Saturday morning, September 27th, 2025, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife: Betty Rosella Cole: his father: Shirley Cole; his mother: Laura Ahniwake Cole; his sister: Loena; his brother: Curtis; his daughter: Cindy Mardis; his son: James Magee; his daughter: Rhonna Jo Buckle; his grandson: Steven Johnson; his granddaughter: Danielle Ward Hopkins; and his great-grandson: Malakai Ward.

John is survived by his brother: Charles; his sons: John Cole Riff, Wayne Hopkins, and Robbie Magee; 22 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, friends and family members.

John grew up in Pryor, Oklahoma, until his junior year in high school. From there he went to Nowata, Oklahoma, where he graduated and then moved on to serve in the U.S. Army for 10 years. John married Mary Lou Fisher on December 29th, 1959, and they had one boy together, John Cole Riff. They later divorced and John remarried to Betty Doherty on February 4th, 1969, and became the Dad he didn’t have to be to all five of her children. John held many titles, he worked for Phillips Petroleum in Bartlesville, owned a cafe and a restaurant, he was also a draftsman for Latoka Engineering, and retired from Kentube as a shipping and receiving manager.

John had a special love for God and family, always praying over our good health and that we find ourselves in God’s favor. He enjoyed gardening and growing vegetables and was fiercely independent. He left behind a legacy of love.

Arrangements are under the direction of Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To leave an online condolence, visit www.honoringmemoriesbartlesville.com.