Benjamin Michael Cole

Benjamin Michael Cole, 66, of McKinney, Texas passed away December 8, 2025 at Medical City McKinney of McKinney, Texas. He was born on September 12, 1959 in Fort Knox, Kentucky to Stephen McDonald and Sylvia Maxine (McCraw) Cole.

“Ben” to his family and friends, was an Eagle Scout and joined the US Army after graduating from Balboa High School in Balboa, Canal Zone, Panama. A proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division, Ben spent his time in the Army setting up the medical equipment in field hospitals. Ben completed a two-year Biomedical Equipment Technology program at Regis College in Denver, Colorado, and used his military and educational skills at Phillips Medical Systems and later Siemens installing and repairing emergency room X-ray and M.R.I equipment. His chosen career field took him to emergency room locations all over the United States and into foreign countries.

Ben was an adventurer, and happily involved family members in many memorable activities. One in particular was a white-water rafting trip he took the whole family on down the Colorado River in Colorado. Travelling mostly on their motorcycle when changing installation or repair sites, he and his wife Nancy fearlessly camped out along the way. Ben met Nancy while stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. They were married August 3, 1979.

Ben was passionate about dogs. He travelled with his Golden Retrievers King and Lady and later raised Flat-Coated Retrievers Jake and Razzie. After retiring from Siemens, Ben and Raz spent their days on every disc golf course possible.

Ben is survived by his wife Nancy, his mother Sylvia (Maxine), of McKinney, Texas, his sister Veronica and her husband Jeffrey Ashley of Pottsboro, Texas., his brother Bobby and his wife Rhonda Cole of Sadler, Texas, nephews and nieces William and his wife Sharon Harper of Keene, Texas, Daniel Harper of Whitesboro, Texas, Jesse and his wife Desirae Cole of Krugerville, Texas, Ashley and her husband Jimmy Toler of Pueblo West, Colorado, Kacie and her husband Chris Attaway of Sanger, Texas, Kevin Cole of Sadler, Texas, Amie Jordan and her husband Cody Crawford of Keller, Texas, Julie Cummings of Tecumseh, Oklahoma, Chasity Whittington of Gainesville, Texas, Michael Whittington of Gainesville, Texas, and numerous grand nephews and nieces, uncles, aunts and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, his brother Stephen “Cowboy” Cole of Thackerville, Oklahoma, and his brother-in-law Lutz “Bill” Harper of Pottsboro, Texas.

The family will receive friends at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 beginning at 12:30PM. Funeral services will follow at 1:30PM at the funeral home with Pastor Dickie Amyx officiating. Interment will be at Bolivar Cemetery. Memorials in honor of Mr. Cole may be made to the Wounded Warriors or a charity of choice.

Thank you for your support.