Clifford Merle "Cliff" Cole

Clifford “Cliff” Merle Cole, 83, of Manchester, passed away on Monday, November 22, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He was born on April 7, 1938, in Greeley, the son of Louis and Nellie (Bissell) Cole. Cliff was raised and educated in the Manchester area. He served honorably in the United States Army.

On November 13, 1961, Cliff was united in marriage to Helen Ann White in Manchester. Three children were born to this union. Cliff worked for Delaware County for 36 years as a truck driver plowing snow and working on the road crew.

Cliff was a longtime member of the Manchester United Methodist Church. After he retired, he enjoyed volunteering at the church especially helping to set up for funeral dinners. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. Cliff enjoyed swimming in the early mornings with his friends.  For many years Cliff would dress up as Santa for the children, many kids knew him as Santa in Manchester. He loved his cats and dogs.  He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He especially enjoyed being a grandpa.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Helen Cole of Manchester; his three children, Clifford Allen “Al” (Michelle) Cole of Cedar Rapids, Ken (Karla) Cole of Fairfax, and Dr. Christine Fowler(Cole) (Dr. Cindy Anderson) of Athens, Ohio; six grandchildren, Nicholas Cole, Allison Cole, Kortney Swift (Cortney), Katelynn Cole, Madeline Fowler, Nathan Anderson, and Elizabeth Fowler; great-grandchildren, Brayden Swift, Aria Swift and Sadie Swift; a special niece, Sindee Gohde;  sisters-in-law, Florence Parrott, Virginia White, and Cheryle Collumn; and many nieces and nephews.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Betty Jean (Robert) Farmer; and brothers, Robert “Bob” (Florence) Cole and Everette “Bud” (Janice) Cole.

Because of COVID-19, masks are strongly recommended at the funeral home and at the church

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