Warren Harrison Cole, 84, of Morton, Ill., died Dec. 27, 2008, at Proctor Hospital in Peoria, Ill.

He was born Nov. 10, 1924, in Calhoun, Ill., to Walter Harrison Cole and Jennie M. Cole. He grew up on his family farm with two brothers and twin sisters.

His parents; his brothers, John and Edgar; and one sister, Eloise Burkybile, preceded him in death.

Surviving are one sister, Louise Burkybile of Casey, Ill.; his son, Philip Cole and wife, Carol, of Morton, Ill.; grandson, Jeremiah Adams Cole; two stepgrandsons, Justin Berry and wife, Stacy and Michael Berry; and great-granddaughter, Paige Lynn Berry.

He was a World War II Navy Merchant Marine gunner in the Pacific, serving from 1944 through 1946.

He married Mary Lou Wortman in June of 1952 and later divorced. He moved his family from southern Illinois to Smithfield and then to Canton to work at International Harvester for 20 years, retiring in 1983.

He was active in his Christian faith, church and fathering responsibilities. After his retirement, he volunteered significant time to the Canton YWCA, especially for children's programs and transport of persons to Peoria for medical appointments/procedures. He was also involved in a YWCA "kitchen band" that played at various local churches and nursing homes.

As early Alzheimer's disease developed and while living with his son, he continued his volunteer work with family members participating with the "Meals on Wheels" program provided by We Care Inc. of Morton, Ill.

While a resident at Apostolic Christian Restmor nursing home in Morton, Ill., he continued his volunteer ethic with garden work, bird feeders and assistance to his nursing home companions, especially other World War II veterans.

Funeral services at Markwell Funeral Home in Casey, Ill., with the Rev. Dr. Penelope Barber officiating. Burial in the Casey-Cumberland Cemetery, with graveside military rites by Casey VFW Post 5762 and Hazel Dell American Legion Post 1230.

Published in the Peoria Journal Star (IL) - December 30, 2008