Lawrence Ivan Cole, a longtime resident of Penn Valley, CA, born on February 7, 1936, in Meadville, PA. passed away February 10th, 2025 at the age of 89. Larry enjoyed a successful career in the military, raised four amazing children, and was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. Devoutly religious, Larry is finally resting peacefully with his eternal family and eternal Father. His passing came as a bit of a surprise as only a few short months ago he (no longer licensed to drive) had the independence and vigor to walk and hitchhike all the way from Camptonville to Grass Valley on a quest to go gun shopping and to Make America Great Again with his vote in the upcoming presidential election!

After graduating from High School, Larry enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1958 and served 20 valiant years as a Fireman. Upon retirement as a Master Sergeant, Larry moved his wife and four children – Richard Clair, James Edward, Diane Joy and Anna Lee, to Penn Valley, Ca., where he lived for more than 50 years.

Larry was a charming man, and is preceded in death by three wives. His first wife and the mother of his four children, was Mary Jo Cole. Larry and Mary enjoyed a happy and faithful marriage up until her death at the young age of 38. Larry is survived by all but one of his children, his Angel and oldest daughter, Diane, who passed at the young age of 50 after a long battle with cancer, leaving behind four beautiful children, a granddaughter and an amazing son-in-law, Ruben Martinez.

Following the death of his first love, Larry remarried for a brief time, divorced and then married Judith Gardiol. Larry and Judy enjoyed many years of marriage together. They both loved animals, large and small, loved jumping in the car to visit family and friends, and especially enjoyed their trips to Fort Bragg. Larry cared for Judy up until she passed in 2022. Following his long goodbye with Judy, Larry moved in with his family and spent his last three years in the care of his youngest son, his surviving daughter and their spouses, Val and Rich. The last year of his life, he was lovingly cared, for by his Grandson, Garrett Cole McKeown, in a converted church where Larry had spread God’s word as a younger man.

Those who knew Larry will remember him for his deep-rooted faith in God, and his unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone he encountered. Larry’s journey on this earth was one marked by love, and compassion. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him.

The Celebration of Life service to honor the life of Lawrence Ivan Cole will be held on February 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 615 Hollow Way, Nevada City, CA 95959

Let us remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm, and look forward to the future with confidence.