Chester “Chet: Wayne Cole, 87, of Carmi, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. He was born on Monday, August 29, 1938, in Evansville, Indiana, the son of Ernest Wesley and Chloie Evelyn (Daughtery) Harp. He married Carolyn “Carol” Faye Adams on July 23, 1966, and together they shared over 60 years of marriage.
Chet served his country in the Army National Guard and Army Reserves. He retired, having worked on building aircraft for GE. He enjoyed playing Golf and doing wood and leather work. Chet loved Jesus ,was a student of God’s word and lived out his faith daily which allowed him to be an inspiration to many people. His faith in Jesus directed his life and allowed him to be a wonderful husband and father. Chet never missed a day telling Carol how much he loved her.
Chet is survived by his wife, Carol Cole of Carmi, IL; children, Douglas Cole and his wife Sonya of Carmi, IL., Anthony Cole and his wife Serena of Chandler, IN. and Lynette Shaw and her husband Kelvin of LaFayette, TN; grandchildren, Tabitha, Joshua, Keisha, Wesley, and Michael; Great-grandchildren, Jacob, Sarah, Jace, Kinsley, Kyndal, Kam, Emma, Chloe, Kynley, Bradley, Ella and Mavrick; siblings, Ronnie Harp and his wife Carolyn of Sebree, KY. and Ruth Deig and her husband Charlie of Evansville, IN.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Chloie Evelyn Harp and stepfather, George Harp; and a brother, Elmer Ray Harp.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the Carmi Chapel of Roberts and Cook Funeral Services, 101 Edgewood Lane, Carmi, IL. 62821, with Jim Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Union Ridge Cemetery near New Haven. Family and friends may visit from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Roberts and Cook Funeral Service has been entrusted with arrangements.
