Carlton McCree Cole, 93, of Alvada passed away at 3:15 a.m. on Monday, July 6, 2015 at Birchaven Village, Findlay. He was born on January 4, 1922, to the late Carl M. and Hazel F. (Peters) Cole in Biglick Twp. Carlton married Esther C. Walter on January 7, 1942, and she survives after sharing 73 1/2 years together.

Carlton is also survived by his sons: Gary M. (Peggy) Cole of Dallas, TX, and Edwin D. (Judy) Cole of Alvada; daughters: Jeanie McCree of Naples, FL, Sue Cook of Perrysburg, and Debra (Ned) Niswander of Bluffton; special son, Virgil (Linda) Cecil of Woodsfield; and 20 grandchildren: Cynthia Cole Pocat, Keanen Cole, Ross Sorenson, Jill Luane, Stephanie Linehan, Shari Mueller, Phillip Sherick, Sara Hensley, Amanda Plattner, Carl Cole, Austin Cole, Kevin Cole, Kellie Cole Gregg, Eleanor Garland, Paige Marshall, Joshua Niswander, Jenna Bernard, Julianne Burkholder, Jon Cecil, and Kristi Cecil; 27 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his infant daughter, Dianna Jane Cole, and brother, David Cole.

Carlton was a 1940 graduate of Vanlue High School. Carlton served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was first assigned to the Americal Division and was later transferred to 1st Cavalry Division, where he was made a Military Policeman. He was in the Pacific Theatre and participated in the liberation of the Philippines and the surrender and occupation of Japan. He was discharged from active duty in Fort Knox, KY, on August 8, 1946. Carlton was on the Flag City Honor Flight in 2014. Carlton was a lifetime farmer and former Biglick Twp. Trustee for 20 years. He was a lifelong member of the West Independence United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, at Coldren-Crates Funeral Home, Findlay. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 9, at the West Independence United Methodist Church, West Independence. Pastor Mark Weatherman will officiate and burial will follow in Hickory Grove Cemetery, Alvada.

Memorials may be made to the West Independence United Methodist Church and/or to Bridge Home Health and Hospice. Online condolences may be made via www.coldrencrates.com.