Sep. 8, 1930 - Feb. 26, 2026
Date of Service: Mar. 19, 2026
RENO, NV - Harvey Ross Cole, age 95, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, at 8:08 a.m. at the Veterans Hospice Home in Reno, Nevada.
For the past 17 years, Harvey resided with his youngest son, Rick (Carisa), where he was lovingly cared for as he faced ongoing health challenges.
Harvey was born on September 8, 1930, in Declo, Idaho, to David and Sylvia Irene (Ingram) Cole. He grew up in Declo, helping on the family farm. He attended school in Burley, Idaho, completing the eighth grade.
He joined the United States Army in 1949 and served in Japan and during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1952 after surviving several injuries. Harvey often recalled driving home from Fort Lewis, Washington, following his discharge. After returning to Declo, he resumed helping on the farm. He also worked at the pump station supplying water from the Snake River to the farms.
In 1963, Harvey married Marie L. “Nettie” Hensley, and they made their home in Pocatello, Idaho. He worked long and hard hours to provide for his family while raising their three sons. He was employed by Merrill Construction from 1963 to 1977. He later worked in shop and tire maintenance for Bannock Paving Construction from 1977 until his forced retirement at age 66, just a few months shy of 20 years of service.
Following retirement, Harvey found great joy in spending time with his grandchildren and traveling with his youngest son and family. He especially enjoyed helping care for Natasha and Jason from birth, taking them to school and supporting their activities. His favorite pastimes included yard work, gardening, sitting in the sunshine, and watching reruns of Hee Haw and the Grand Ole Opry.
In 2014, Harvey moved with Rick (Carisa) to Reno, Nevada, where he continued to enjoy the outdoors and cherished time with his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his former wife, Nettie; five brothers, Claude, Charlie, Leo, Duane, and Shorty Cole; three sisters, Florence Cole Jones, Lois Cole Rasmussen, and Cleo Cole Beckstrand; and his granddaughter, Christina Ann.
He is survived by his three sons, Alan Ross (Lisa), Darin Lee, and Rick Jason (Carisa) Cole; five grandchildren, Miles Keith, Kelsie Marie, Natasha Ashley, Jason Harvey, and Danny Lee Cole; four great-grandsons, Tayvin, Dexton, Zachary, and Andre; and one sister, Kathryn Cole Anderson.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Declo Cemetery, located at 102 N. Cemetery Rd. in Declo, where military rites will be provide by The Mini-Cassia Veterans Group.
A viewing and family prayer will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. prior to the graveside service at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 East 16th Street in Burley.
