HARTFORD, Ky. — Vernon Ray Cole passed away peacefully at his home in Hartford on April 14, 2025, at the age of 97. Born on Feb. 9, 1928, in Ohio County, Kentucky, to Raymond and Mattie (Nickell) Cole, Vernon lived a full and rich life.
Vernon was a member of Clear Run Baptist Church and also a proud 75-year member of the Hartford Masonic Lodge. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life—tending to his immaculate lawn, nurturing his garden, and watching NASCAR. In his younger years, he delighted in the great outdoors, spending hours hunting and fishing.
Vernon’s passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of his family.
He is now reunited with his beloved wife of 69 years, Reba (Fieldon) Cole; as well as his three brothers, Lenville, Alton, and Kenneth Cole; and three sisters, Eranell Cole, Joyce Funk, and Mary Jazyk. He was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Mickey Smith.
He is survived by his two loving daughters, Deborah Smith, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, and Sheila Fields, of Hartford. He was the proud grandfather of four, Jim Smith, of Chicago, Illinois, Mike Smith, of Evansville, Indiana; Brad Smith (Molly), of Nashville, Tennessee, and Ryan Fields (Talisa), of Owensboro, Kentucky. Vernon was also a great-grandfather to Charlotte and Emily Smith, of Nashville, and Nolan, Anderson, and Juniper Fields, of Owensboro. He will be greatly missed by his sister, Helen Keith, of Whiting, Indiana, and many nieces and nephews.
In honor of Vernon’s life, a graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 17, at 1 p.m. at Clear Run Baptist Church Cemetery in Hartford.
