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KINSMAN -- Larry Braden Cole, 87, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
Larry was born on Dec. 4, 1938, in Greenville, Pa., to Archie Moore Cole and Caroline "Lenore" Braden Cole.
He graduated from Badger High School in 1956 and Kent State University in 1961. After his college career, Larry proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1966 as a military police officer stationed in Newfoundland. After his time in the military, he dedicated over 40 years to his community, first as a local Kinsman Sheriff and then as a State Farm insurance agent until his retirement.
On June 25, 1983, Larry married the love of his life, Jeanie Marie Lower Cole. He loved listening to her sing and together they enjoyed cheering on their favorite NASCAR drivers. Larry had a true servant's heart and was an active member of the Kinsman Presbyterian Church, where he served numerous roles, including as deacon for many years.
Larry was also involved in numerous veteran organizations, including the local FOE, VFWs and American Legion. He loved to support his favorite charities and organizations such as the Arbor Day Foundation. He was an avid hunter and once deer season came around, Larry was out on his property. He loved hunting with his grandson, Kyle. Together they have quite a collection of trophies. In earlier years, he enjoyed hunting for foxes and rabbits and driving deer with other local hunters.
When Larry wasn't hunting, you could find him on his farm hosting family gatherings, gardening or on his old Ford tractor. He maintained a large garden and cared for many animals over the years, including his beloved horse, Trojan. Larry also loved to shop and enjoyed bringing home the latest gadgets. When he did finally sit down to rest, he often had an old Western on the TV.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jeanie; cherished daughter, Larriane Beth Cole; as well as a loving extended family including stepdaughters, Teresa (Russ) Finney, Carmen Randleman, Rita Reeher, Eva (Brad) Roshong, Darlene (Bruce) Schirmer and Amy (Alan) Kotanchek; his stepson, James (Laura) Stump; 23 grandchildren, Mera Richardson-Cole, Aarryn Richardson, Daphne Dupleiss, Rochelle Brown, Nina Abrams, Jennifer and Erika Finney, Rhea Randleman Veronica, Tyler and Travis Reeher, Leah Herman, Sarah Walters, Hannah and Rebekah Roshong, Christina Houk, John Sines, Gary Michalske, Jeffery Stump, Ashley Gansheimer, Alanna Adams, Kyle Comanescu, Kurstin and Kenneth Kamppi; 38 great-grandchildren, Harmony, Yara, Reign, Leonardo, Sunshine, Aiden, Andrew, Deven, Landen, Trinity, Brody, Jase, Emmarie, Riley, Addison, Carter, Emilia, Oliver, Charlotte, Thea, Christopher, Christian, Jeremy, Mikey, Vincent, Brady, Adelyn, Aylin, Kalina, Kaden, Amelia, Jacob, Haizlee, Kasen, Ayla, Peyton, Reagan and Natalie; and one great-great-grandchild, Carter and two more on the way!
He was preceded in death by many loved ones, including grandparents, George Rufus Cole and Florence Mary Karr Cole and David Wallace Braden and Laura Edith Hobart Braden; parents, Archie and Caroline "Lenore" Cole; aunts and uncles, Laura Braden, George Calvin Braden, Wallace Hobart Braden, Kenneth Raymond Braden, George Calvin Braden, Clark E. Braden, David Wallace Braden, Andrew Dale Braden and Mary Magdna Braden; half-siblings, Marjorie Belle Cole Hunter Hellyer, Mahlon K. Hellyer and Allen George Cole; stepdaughters, Jennifer Ann Esparza Mizner and Marianne Alward; sons-in-law, Randy Reeher and PJ Richardson; stepson, Jeffery Alan Stump; and his grandson, Dustin Barrett Cole. Larry's legacy is one of service, love and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Friends and family will be received from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, at the Baumgardner Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 8569 Main St., Kinsman, OH 44428. Burial will follow at the Kinsman Cemetery.
Online condolences can be made at www.baumgardnerfuneralhome.com.
Funeral arrangements were trusted to Baumgardner Funeral & Cremation Service.
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