Ralph Edward Cole, 82, of Decatur, formerly of Assumption, Illinois, died May 2, 2018 in Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, 2018 in Seitz Funeral Home, Assumption. Visitation will be from 12 – 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, 2018, also in the funeral home. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery, Assumption. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Parkinson's Research Foundation.

Ralph was born October 20 ^th , 1935 in Assumption, IL to John and Mary (Wemple) Cole. He married Alice Cecile Flaugher on June 21, 1969 in Argenta, IL. Ralph graduated from Assumption High School. He was employed in Quality Control at the Bridgestone/Firestone Plant and retired after 30 years of service. Ralph's passion for the outdoors provided countless memories of camping, fishing, and spending every summer in Colorado with his friends and family.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Alice; daughter Rhonda (Bob) McLain of Assumption; son Kevin Cole of Decatur; grandchildren: Jackson Cole, Aurelia Cole, Hailey Cole, Michael (Katy) McLain, Cara (Jared) Blaudow; great-grandchildren: Rhett McLain, Kooper McLain, McKenna Blaudow, Nate Blaudow.

Ralph will be sadly missed by his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, and many friends. His parents and one infant brother preceded him in death.

The family wishes to thank the 6 ^th floor nurses at Decatur Memorial Hospital for their help and care during his time there.