Merle Robert "Pete" Cole

Merle Robert “Pete” Cole, 71, formerly of Mannington, passed away from this life Sunday, October 30, 2022 at his residence in Fairview. He was born on Plum Run, Mannington on February 18, 1951, the only child of Phyllis Jean Toothman Cole of Fairview and the late Albert Ray “Ab” Cole.

Pete spent his childhood on Plum Run until his family moved to Mannington in 1965. He was a graduate of Mannington High School, Class of 1969, where he played football. He was voted most congenial male his senior year. After graduation, Pete enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served until 1975, during the Vietnam War.

He married Pamela Cheryl Powell on March 2, 1970. In 1975 he was hired by Consolidated Gas Suply Corporation in Mannington as a rouster. A hardworking and dedicated employee, Pete progressed through various positions and company changes in the natural gas industry, also working for Hope Gas, Consolidated Natural Gas (CNG) and Dominion. He supervised the Hastings Extraction Plant in Pine Grove for more than a decade. He retired in 2006.

He was a faithful member of the Mannington Church of Christ, where he served as a deacon and then as an elder for 31 years. He served on the board of directors for the West Virginia Christian Youth Camp for many years and volunteered extensively when the new camp facility was built in the early 1990s.

Pete coached little league at the ball field in Rachel, served as MC at the Lincoln District Fair for many years and also worked along side his father for several years as a licensed auctioneer. He was an excellent provider for his family and made an effort to do special things, like finding just the right car with pop-up headlights for his daughter’s first car.

An avid fan of Mountaineer football, he enjoyed many seasons cheering on his team at Mountaineer Field, alongside his son, daughter, and other family and friends. A country music fan, Pete enjoyed managing and running sound for his son’s band for several years.

Pete lived a life full of service-to God first and foremost, to family, to country, and to community. His legacy is noted by kindness, strong character, commitment, generosity, and authenticity. He had a genuine smile and laugh that was contagious. Even throughout his struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease, he never lost his kindness and thoughtfulness toward others.

In addition to his mother Phyllis Jean Cole, Pete is survived by his wife of 52 years, Pam Cole, his father-in-law Drexil Eugene “Gene” Powell of Mannington, daughter Christy Anne Cole Swick and husband Shane of Fairmont, son Peter Ray Cole and wife Amantha of Fairview, grandchildren Joslyn Swick Newell and husband Seth of Nitro, Gabriel Swick of Fairmont, and Kelly Lynn Cole of Fairview and great-grandchildren Samson and Ezra Newell.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Geraldine Norris Powell.

The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at the Masters Funeral Home In Mannington from 3-8 pm and Wednesday, November 2, 2022 from 10-11 am with funeral services beginning at 11:00 am with Evangelist Dr. Michael P. Reese officiating. Burial will follow at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the West Virginia Christian Youth Camp, 12 Columbine Dr., Lost Creek, WV 26385 or West Virginia School of Preaching, 1 Willard Ave., Moundsville, WV 26041. Final arrangements are in the care of Masters Funeral Home.