Joseph Gregory Cole, Ph.D. was born to Charles and Judy Cole on March 20, 1962, in North Kansas City and passed away May 21, 2020, in Brandon, Mississippi.

Joe was a 1980 graduate of Sheldon High School and earned degrees from Missouri Southern State University, Wichita State University, and Florida State University (PhD). Joe worked in higher education at various colleges and universities across the Midwest in Physical Education.
Joe's mission in life was to spread the gospel of Christ through everything that he did. He had a passion for athletics and using sports to bring glory to his Heavenly Father. Along with his family, he traveled to various countries, including Romania, India, Iraq, Guatemala, and the Philippines, conducting basketball missionary trips. He was a role model, mentor, and intent listener for so many people.

Joe married Melissa Thelen on August 2, 1986. They have three children, Spencer (and Lindsey, expecting), Hannah, and David (and Caroline) Cole. Additional family members include his parents, Charles and Judy Cole, two brothers, John (and Sandy) and Jason (and Courtney) Cole, three brothers-in-law, Todd (and Chris), Tedd (and Bonita), and Kent (and Ann) Thelen, with 15 nieces and nephews.

There will be a memorial service held at The Venue at Pinelake Church in Brandon, Mississippi on Monday, June 1st, 2020, at 10:00am. Please feel welcome to join the family in celebrating Joe's life.