Michael Eugene Cole

Michael Eugene Cole, 61 years of age, of Sidney, passed in comfort and sleep in the early

morning hours of Thursday, November 1, 2023. He was in the company of his loving wife, Jenny,

and sons Matthew and Zachary. In the preceding hours and days prior, Mike was visited by

many of those he loved, and those who loved and admired him.

Mike was born on August 7, 1962 in Sidney to his parents, Bonnie (Koons) Ashford of Sidney,

who survives, and to the late Gary Eugene Cole. He is survived by his wife Jenny, who he

married on June 25th, 1988; his two sons Matthew, 32, of Cincinnati; and Zachary, 30, of

Beavercreek. In addition, Mike is survived by his brother Curtis (Kathryn) Cole of South Carolina;

Mother-in-Law Judy Fair; step-siblings Traci (Keith) Alvarado, Trixie (Mike) Huddleston, Tonia

(Robert) Rexrode, and Tom Ashford. He was preceded in death by his father, Gary Cole,

step-father, Samuel Ashford, and father-in-law, Donald Fair.

Michael blessed so many things with his time and attention – one of which was spending 35

years of employment with Auria of Sidney. A dedicated and hard worker, he led the way at

Auria by developing their Journeyman Apprentice Program. He was ahead of his time with his

career in Industrial Maintenance and Robotics. In addition to making sure the company robotics

work with great efficiency, Mike took an active role of making sure all of his co-worker’s

well-being were well represented by serving as one of the key representatives in the Union

UAW Local 2391.

Mike was Blessed with an overly gregarious personality, and as such, he knew no stranger. If

you met Mike just once, you knew immediately you had a friend for life. He always took the

time to make sure you were heard, no matter what station in life you held. He was your friend.

Always giving back his time to the community, Mike played a major role with the Sidney

Amateur Baseball Commission (SABC) that spanned over a period of over 20 years. If you were

ever in attendance at Custenborder Field during the summer, you might have met Mike while he

was either coaching, umpiring, or making sure the concession stand was well stocked and run

for the convenience of “all of his friends.” He helped grow the league by serving many years as

its president. One thing for sure, no matter if you were a parent, a player, or an umpire, Mike

always emphasized that the sport was for fun and for the benefit of the children

Even spending so much of his time, attention and life on all of the above, Mike kept the majority

of it for what he was most passionate about - enjoying and spending time with his loving family.

Five years ago, Mike purchased a Corvette for his and Jenny’s 30th wedding anniversary.

Together, from the seats of that special Corvette, he and Jenny would love to just travel around

and sight see the community he loved. He was an avid motorcyclist, even building a motorcycle

in his garage. He loved spending time with Matt and Zach, taking a weekend to attend a

MotoAmerica racing event. He and his sons would head to the shooting range to plink away an

occasional afternoon. Cheering on the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Reds, and the Sidney Yellow

Jackets over the years was another passion of Mike’s.

Should you wish to make a donation to honor Mike’s commitment to serving others, the family

suggests you consider making a donation to one of the authorized charities from The

Community Foundation of Shelby County’s matching program. Your donation will be matched

100% by the Foundation, allowing Mike’s legacy to continue to impact the community he loved.

Contact Marian Spicer at mspicer@commfoun.com

Michael always kept a bright outlook on everything in his life - taking it seriously when it was

needed, but keeping it on the light side at every opportunity to do so. He will be sorely missed

by his family, those he led, taught, raised, and loved across his 61 years.

If you knew Mike, he wishes all of his family, friends, and all to come celebrate his spirit, and not

to grieve. He wants all to party, dance, enjoy the music, and laugh. Therefore, a casual

Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 2nd, at 6:30PM at the IUE-CWA Hall - 1330 S

Main Avenue, Sidney, Ohio 45365.

Online condolences can be made to the family at www.cromesfh.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael Eugene Cole, please visit our floral store.