Obituary of Richard Jack Cole

Richard Jack Cole of St. Petersburg passed in hospice care on March 16th, 2020.  He was born on June 18, 1935 in Manor, Texas. Richard joined the Marine Corps in 1952 and retired in 1972 as a gunnery sargeant.  During his career in the Marine Corps he was assigned to Embassy Security and was trained for this in Quantico, Virginia. Most of his Embassy Security was in Oslo, Norway.  Richard was also sent to Camp Pendleton to assist in removing troops from Vietnam.  Richard was awarded  a Rifle Expert badge, a National Defense badge, a Pistol Sharpshooter badge, and seven good conduct medals. After his Marine Corps career, he provided security for a Department of Defense contractor.

There will be a military memorial service and entombment at Bay Pines National Cemetery at a later date.  Richard attended Gateway Baptist Church. 

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, seven siblings, one son Terry Krick, and one daughter Vickie Sells. Richard is survived by his wife of 45 years Della Cole, children Shelley Krick and Richard (Rich) T Cole, daughter-in-law Leighanna Cole; grandchildren Tyler Cole, Ashley Sells, and Cody Clark; and one great-grandchild Andre Potter. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations in Richard's honor to the Wounded Warriors Project or American Cancer Society.