D. Wayne Cole

Douglas Wayne Cole, 78, of Ballinger passed away Sunday, February 26, 2012 at his residence.

Wayne was born February 11, 1934 in Ballinger to Max J. and Hilda (Cotheran)
Cole. His parents preceded him in death. “Little Max,” as his friends called him, grew up in Ballinger and graduated from Ballinger High School in 1953. He then joined the Air Force and honorably served his country for four years during the Korean War. After returning home and while working in a hospital cafeteria, he met Helen Hayden who was recovering from tuberculosis. They married in 1959 and had four children.

He spent most of his married life traveling in the sales business until he returned home to Ballinger to help his mom run Cole’s Café. He loved his family more than himself, and his grand and great-grandchildren were the light of his life. They came to call him “Paw” because his mannerisms reminded his kids of “Paw Kettle.” Wayne took great pride and joy in trying to fix anything that was broken. His favorite tools were duct tape, wire coat hangers, and super glue, and believe it or not, that worked for him. His favorite sayings were, “You done good, babe!” and “Don’t worry about it!” which truly exemplify how he lived his life. He had a heart as big as Texas and would give anyone the shirt off his back and his shoes, too, if they needed them. Most people don’t know that Wayne was a very talented artist and songwriter. His family believes that he is in Heaven drawing what Jesus really looks like and writing songs for the angels.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Helen of the home; daughters, Kelly Mays and husband, Jerry, of The Woodlands; Laurie Ryan and husband, Mike, of Dallas; Tracy Ogle and husband, Danny, of San Angelo; and a son, Steve Cole of Ballinger; and a brother, Maxie J. Cole and wife, Mary, of San Angelo. Also surviving are grandchildren, April Priest and husband Matt, Joseph Watkins, Shelby Alley and husband Chris, Brittany Robinson and husband Aaron, and Brooke Ryan, along with Peyton Ryan, Spencer Ryan, Ryan Cole, Hayden Ogle, and Kimberly Allen; and a brother, Maxie J. Cole and wife, Mary, of San Angelo. There are numerous great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews who also survive.

Visitation for family and friends will be Wednesday, February 29 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held Thursday, March 1 at 2:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home Chapel in Ballinger.