LeRoy Anthony Cole

LeRoy “Tony” Cole, age 77, of Norfolk, Nebraska, passed away on March 6, 2026, at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk.

Born on January 11, 1949, in Yakima, Washington, to Florence J. Dunn and James J. Cole, Tony was raised in Herrick and Burke, South Dakota, and graduated from Gregory High School. At the age of five he contracted polio, a battle he fought and won, emerging with a resilient spirit that shaped a life full of character and adventure. He married Judy Cole on January 20, 1968, in Neligh, Nebraska. Together they raised a daughter, Lisa Cole McCracken of Murray, Iowa, and a son, Jon Cole of Clarinda, Iowa.

Tony worked on the Alyeska Pipeline in Alaska before returning to Nebraska, where he spent many years driving 18-wheelers and later drove charter buses for Navigator Motorcoaches. He was an active member of the Norfolk Sons of American Legion Squadron 16 and American Legion Riders Chapter 16. Those who knew him will remember a man impossible to forget—quick with a story that could leave you laughing until your sides ached, yet equally ready to sit quietly, hold your hand, and share your tears during life’s hardest moments. His love for his children and the immense pride he carried for his grandchildren were evident in everything he did.

Tony is survived by his daughter Lisa McCracken (husband Brian) and grandsons Colin McCracken (Emily) and Corey McCracken (Maria); his son Jon Cole (wife Tasha) and granddaughters Taylor Cole, Maddie Cole, and Ellie Cole; his sisters Juanita (Nietzie) and Larry Toothaker of Norman, Oklahoma, Becky Schmitz of Norfolk, Nebraska, Nancy and Dan Gillpatrick of Omaha, Nebraska, and Patty Danielson of Fremont, Nebraska; his brothers Jay Cole of Norfolk, Nebraska, and Mark and Donna Frey of Newburg, Wisconsin; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Jim Cole, and his grandparents, Jerry and Winnie Dunn and Lottie and James Cole.