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.