John H. Cole, 73, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at his home in Lakeside with his wife Dianne by his side. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, at the First Baptist Church, 700 N. Central Ave. in Show Low, with Pastor Lowell Warren officiating.
He was born June 12, 1941, in Phoenix to John H. and Olive Gaither Cole.
He grew up in the Phoenix area, graduating from Sunnyslope High School in 1960. He played football and excelled in swimming.
Johnny moved to Show Low in 1974. He spent most of his working years as an auto mechanic. He worked at the Snowflake Paper Mill, Salt River Project in St. Johns, his own business, Johnny’s Automotive (mobile unit) for eight years, and worked for Fraley’s Auto Service, where he retired after eight years.
He enjoyed life and lived each day as a gift from God. He liked hunting, fishing, trap shooting, woodworking, yard work, dancing, and, of course, working on cars and trucks. He also liked NASCAR Racing and watching the Arizona Cardinals play ball. He participated in the Auto Extravaganza, The Great American Race (from the West Coast to the East Coast) for two consecutive years, the first year as a mechanic and the second as a driver.
On June 18, 2000, Johnny met his true love, Dianne, at the Show Low Elks Lodge and two years later they were married on June 15, 2002. They had a happy, loving life together. They loved dancing together and travelling with their fifth wheel. They took three cruises together.
Johnny was a life member of Show Low Elks Lodge No. 2090. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church in Show Low. He was a super friendly guy and his smile would light up a room. He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
Survivors include his wife, Dianne; his son, Johnny (Cindy); his daughter, Jodi (Kelly); and four grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Compassus, 1789 W. Commerce Drive, Lakeside, Ariz. 85929.
Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low was in charge of the arrangements.
