John Patrick Cole

John Patrick Cole

1970 – 2019

John Patrick Cole was born, April 28, 1970, in Neosho, Missouri to John and Laurel

Cole. He spent his first year in Germany, while his father was stationed there with the U.S.

Army. One of the favorite stories told, is how during stops for sightseeing expeditions and

lunch, his parents would “stake him to the ground” so he wouldn’t wander off into traffic. This is

probably where his love for the German language began. His younger years were spent shooting

bee-bee guns and playing tee-ball. While in high school, he learned the German language and

was part of the choral group in which he achieved high honors. It wasn’t until his senior year of

high school that he and his family moved to Oklahoma. He graduated from Deer Creek High

School in 1988 and attended Oklahoma State University. During his freshman year of college,

his advantageous spirit led to a broken arm and leg which would lead to his return home. It was

during this time that he met a friend who introduced him to the Society for Creative

Anachronism (SCA) where he would find a second family. John was an active member of the

SCA for 30 years and accumulated many forms of recognition for his skills and knowledge. It

was within this world that he was able to express his athleticism and develop his artistic side. He

fought valiantly with armor that he designed and created. He came home battered and bruised

and would say, “Aww, that’s nothing you should see the other guy!” His creative flair and love

of nature enabled him to create art in various forms throughout his lifetime. He created many

beautiful pieces of unique jewelry and wearable Medieval paraphernalia. Other expressions

included photography and leather work. He had a keen sense of history and was capable of

rattling off dates and places in a storybook fashion. His humor and quick wit endeared him to

many. He worked as a journeyman electrician, a professional photographer, and as a silversmith.

As an active Mason, John was past master of Blanchard Lodge #395 and a member of Anchor /

Crescent Lodge #104. He was also a 32° Scottish Rite Mason of the Guthrie, OK Valley.

He is survived by his wife Aubrey Cole of Crescent and his daughters, Mikala, Kristina,

and Hannah. In 2005, John met her, in which she would become the love of his life ~ Aubrey.

In her, John had found someone who encouraged, supported, and truly loved him. Together they

worked to establish a life raising their girls along with various four-legged members of the

family. They ran a successful business, enjoyed time with family, and participated in the SCA.

He is also survived by his father, John Dee Cole, of Guthrie, Oklahoma, his sister Suzanne

Gillson of Dickson, Tennessee, and his brother Matthew Cole of Guthrie, Oklahoma. He was

preceded in death by his mother, Laurel Cole.