Troy William Cole, age 70, of Edwardsville, Illinois, passed away Wednesday morning, October 13, 2004 at Anderson Hospital. Troy was born July 26, 1934 in Norwood, Missouri, to William P. and Opal (nee Peck) Cole.

Troy is a 1952 graduate of Houston High School, Houston, Missouri. He served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. He attained his BS degree from Southwest Missouri State University, his Master of Education degree from University of Missouri-Columbia and his Certificate of Specialist from Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville. Mr. Cole was retired from his work as an Education Consultant and Program Administrator for the Illinois State Board of Education. He was also a published educational author, dedicating 27 years to Public Education. He coached Youth Soccer in Edwardsville for many years. He was a kind and loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Troy is survived by his wife, Betty J. Cole of Edwardsville; three sons, Vance (Mindy) Cole of Peru, Indiana, Kort (Sandy) Cole, of Troy, Illinois, Kade (Amber) Cole of Dorsey, Illinois; his daughter, Lori Spayde of Kokomo, Indiana; his sister Carolee Roberts; two brothers, Gary Cole and Terry Cole; and his four grandchildren, Kaleb and Sarah, and Cordelia and Keith.

Funeral Services will be private.

Memorial Donations may be made in honor of Troy Cole to Make-A-Wish Foundation, 1324 N. Rock Hill Road, St. Louis, MO 63124