Barney Cole passed away peacefully on June 1, 2015, at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. He was born to Charles and Ninah Cole (Collins), on July 5, 1923, in Leadville Colorado. His family moved to Wheatland where he attended elementary through high school graduating in 1941. After high school, Barney resided in California for a year, where he enlisted in the army. He was a combat veteran of World War II and was medically discharged in 1945.
Cole entered the University of Wyoming, where he was elected manager of the school annual yearbook, state president of The Young Democrats and a member of Sigma Chi. Cole graduated with a J.D in law, then relocated to Cheyenne. He opened a law practice with Thomas Carroll and John Karajanis. He practiced law in Cheyenne for over 50 years being a very kind and generous attorney helping many people in the community. He had a memorable personality and a colorful sense of humor. His oratory and flamboyance made him well known statewide. Cole was elected for multiple terms in The House of Representatives. He was also elected and served as Laramie County Attorney.
Cole was a developer, and built the speedway race track, which he later donated to the Cheyenne Racing Club. He was also a developer of Cowboy Country, a subdivision north of Cheyenne. Cole was an avid golfer, and recorded three holes in one, at the Cheyenne County Club. He also had a hole in one, at the Ahwatukee County Club in Phoenix, where he maintained a winter home. Barney formerly belonged to The American Legion, VFW, Optimist Club, Cowboy Club, Sertoma, Shriner's Club, and The Masons.
Barney and his wife, Sara, were married in Atlanta, Georgia, in November 1946, having celebrated almost 69 years of marriage. Barney used to say, "The length of our marriage was not a record, but it was well above the average."
Cole is survived by his wife, Sara and five children: Larry Cole, Cheyenne; Terrie Cole, of Salida, Colorado; Don Cole (Jean) of Cheyenne; Ron Cole of Cheyenne; and Lisa Cole (Troy Gerhardt), of Ft. Collins, Colorado. He leaves behind 10 grandchildren, and 1 great-child. Barney was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Cole; grandson, Tyler Cole; sister, Joan Cottrell; and a brother, Charles Cole.
This great person and loving husband and father will be sorely missed.
A memorial celebration of life will be Saturday, June 27, 2015, at Grace United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., with a memorial presentation to begin at 2:30 p.m.,