Kevin Brian Cole, 71, of Big Rapids passed peacefully in his home with his devoted loving wife by his side on April 17th, 2026.

Kevin was born March 18, 1955, the 4th child of Gerald and Dorothy (Buxton) Cole

Kevin attended school in Big Rapids and got his GED while serving in the army. He enlisted in the army at age 17 with the permission of his parents in November of 1972. He served for 20 years, and retired a Sargeant First Class. During his time in the Army he was stationed in Louisiana, Germany, Egypt, and Alaska. After he retired from the service, he worked for FEDEX Freight for 8 years.

Kevin married Doneen (Kailing) Cole on May 31st, 2008 and together they enjoyed just shy of 18 wonderful years.

He had memberships in the Big Rapids Eagles, American Legion, and the River Valley Car Club. Kevin had a passion for vintage cars and would go to many car shows with his wife and son in his ’69 Roadrunner and later in his ’67 Corvair.

Kevin enjoyed hunting and fishing along with pontoon rides and sitting on his front porch watching the lake life on Chippewa Lake. He also enjoyed traveling on his Harley Davidson with his wife. He loved going on cruise ships and trips to the casinos, especially Las Vegas to see the “Fountains of Bellagio”. Later in life he loved golf cart rides while in Florida. Many afternoons he and his wife drove around Big Rapids & Chippewa Lake areas to enjoy the scenery.

Kevin was a great man with a fun-loving sense of humor. Loved by all he knew and met. He will be greatly missed.

Kevin is survived by: his wife, Doneen Cole; daughter, Jennifer (Steve) Hollister; son, Kevin Cole II; sister, Cheryl (Rich) Gregorio; brother, Steve (Gail) Cole; sister-in-law, Raynette Cole; grandson, Justice Hollister; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; brothers, David & Greg Cole; sister, Tracy; grandson, Jacob Hollister; and his previous wife, Connie (Johnson) Cole.

A Funeral Service with Military Honors will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Dagget Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Dr, Big Rapids. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and will continue until the start of the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Area 5 Special Olympics.