BUFFALO, Mo. — John Robert Cole, 51, passed away following a lengthy illness on Oct. 2, 2025. He resided at Buffalo Prairie Care Home in Buffalo, Mo. He was born on Oct. 26, 1973, in Great Bend, Kan.

John is survived by his much loved daughter MaKayla Cole and partner Richard McKinley; his mother, Deb Durler and stepfather Jim VanDyke; his sister Angela Keenan and husband Steve; and his dog Maggie. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and numerous friends.

John moved to Branson, Mo. in 1998. He loved people and built his career in retail and customer service, even making friends with several Branson celebrity entertainers. His final job was as Assets Protection with Best Buy. His hobbies included playing pool, collecting coins, tinkering with cars and stereos, restoring old furniture, and buying and selling items from auctions and picking sites.

John’s greatest love was spending time with his family, especially playing a big role in raising his beloved daughter, and spoiling his rescue pup. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and integrity. His laughter and loyalty were gifts to all who knew him.

John was preceded in death by his father Johnny Lee Cole; and his grandparents Richard and Lucille Davis, John and Louise

Cole, and John and Margaret Durler.

A Memorial Service/Celebration of Life will be held on Nov. 15th. For more information or to send condolences, contact MaKayla

Cole (417)230-7119. Donations may be made to the Springfield Humane Society, www.spfldhumane.org/donate.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 21, 2025