Richard Douglas "Doug" Cole

COLE, Richard Douglas “Doug”, age 88, of Centerville, passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Doug was born in Knightstown, IN, to the late Russell A. and Elnore J. (nee Deck) Cole on May 15, 1935. He graduated from Fairview High School where he was the football team’s quarterback and fell in love with the cheerleader, Elizabeth (Liz) Bissell. Doug accepted a full scholarship as a quarterback to Miami University. He then decided to transfer and walk on for football at The Ohio State University to be with his sweetheart, Liz. At OSU, Doug earned a BS in business and was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. Doug worked as a CPA at Haskins & Sells, Battelle & Battelle then owned his own accounting firm, Kleckner & Cole. Years later, Alexander Grant bought the firm and Doug ran the Dayton office. Doug was a huge OSU football fan and recruiter (GO BUCKS!). He was involved in starting the Wee Elks in Centerville to instill his love of football onto the next generation. Doug enjoyed snow skiing with countless trips to his beloved Vail, CO and spending time with family. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Linda M. Cole. Doug is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Elizabeth “Liz”; children, Steve D. (Janice) Cole of Centerville, Sue Cole Rochlin of Atlanta, Sharon (Bruce) Salter of Atlanta, James A. “Andy” (Cheryl) Cole of Centerville; 8 grandchildren, Christopher (Molly), Scott, Christen (Jarred), Matthew (Christine), Katie (Teddy), Monica (Mark), Sean and Shane; 7 great-grandchildren, Oscar, Collin, Sutton, Shep, Albie, Elsie and Annette. The family will greet friends immediately following the Celebration of Life beginning at 3PM on Sunday, July 16 at ROUTSONG FUNERAL HOME, 2100 E STROOP RD, KETTERING. Live stream of services will be available to watch from Routsong Funeral Home’s channel on YouTube.com. Doug will be privately entombed at Woodland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Hospice of Dayton or The Spine Research Institute at The Ohio State University www.give.osu.edu/makeagift/details/314281 fund.