Stanton L. & Janice A. (Lewis) Cole

Stanton "Stan" L and Janice Ann (Lewis) Cole both passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at Community Hospital South, 9 hours and 32 minutes apart. For nearly 62 years, they were inseparable, even in death. 

Janice was born on October 16, 1939 in Bloomington, Indiana to her parents, the late John and Betty (Loveall) Lewis. Stan was born on July 8,1940 in Alfordsville, Indiana to his parents, the late Hermon and Cleo (Walls) Cole. 

Stan and Janice had a true love story. Their first meeting was around the ages of 8-9 when Stan was playing little league baseball and Janice and a friend were standing at the fence teasing him about his dimples. Later they became high school sweethearts and both graduated from Bloomington High School. Janice graduated in 1957 and Stan in 1958. After waiting on him to get out of school, they eloped to Henderson, KY in Stan's '57 Chevy. This coming August 8th, they would have celebrated 62 years of marriage, and together, raised three children: Tony, Lynn and Randy. 

Stan was a retired member of the Union Carpenters Local 60 of Indianapolis. He worked in the construction business for 36 years, retiring in 1994. He enjoyed woodworking, deer and mushroom hunting, and taking care of his beautiful, impeccable lawn. Stan had a love for the outdoors, Indiana University Basketball, and most importantly, a love for God, his family and his country. 

Janice was employed at Hancock Bank and Trust, in Greenfield, IN for many years and then moved to employment elsewhere, retiring from the accounts receivable department at Hubler Chevrolet in Greenwood, IN in 2000. She was an avid reader and loved to cook for family gatherings. Janice always paid close attention to foods that you really enjoyed and then in the future, would fix that dish especially with you in mind. She was especially known for her homemade apple butter and various homemade Christmas candies which she was happy to share with family and friends. 

Together, Stan and Janice were devoted followers of Christ and have always been active in the church. Most recently, they have been 20 year members at the First Christian Church of Morgantown where Janice was involved in Women's ministries and Stan served on the Building Committee. They both loved watching NASCAR and traveling. They were always jumping in the car to take off somewhere for a few days and especially loved to travel in the fall when they could enjoy the fall foliage. 

Stan and Janice will be dearly missed by their children: Tony Cole of Morgantown, Lynn (Shawn) Springer of Indianapolis, and Randy (Shelli) Cole of Martinsville, grandchildren: Ryan (Danielle) Ferguson, Matt Ferguson, Ali (Joel) Detamore, Corey (Jess) Cole, Manda (Adam) Beretta, and 11 great grandchildren, as well as Janice's siblings, William Lewis of Fort Myers, Florida and Rebecca (Lewis) Tolbert of Bloomington, IN. 

A word must be given here, and it cannot be overstated, that Stan and Janice always opened their home to the friends of their children throughout their lives and there are many others who affectionately refer to them as "Mom Cole" and "Dad Cole" or who consider them as grandparents. There was always a warm welcome and a seat at the table for whoever the kids brought in. 

Stan and Janice were preceded in death by their parents, Stan's brother Gordon Cole, along with Gordon's wife, Pat, and Janice's sister-in-law, Judith Lewis (wife of William). 

Pastor Burt Brock will conduct a private graveside service at Valhalla Memory Gardens in Bloomington, IN. Arrangements have been entrusted to Meredith-Clark Funeral Home and Cremation Personalization Center in Morgantown.

Due to the increase in numbers of COVID-19, and concern for everyone’s safety, the Cole family has cancelled the memorial service for Stanton and Janice that was initially scheduled for August 8th. Please continue to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers as they grieve the loss of their parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in honor of Stan and Janice Cole to: Shepherd’s Heart Ministries Inc:  P.O. Box 241009 Speedway, Indiana 46224 or to Wounded Warrior Project: P.O. Box 758516 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or to: Samaritan’s Purse: P.O. Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607.

Condolences may be sent to the Cole family at www.meredith-clark.com

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