Funeral services for Eli Samuel Cole, 83 of Wagoner will be at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 28, 2013 at the Mallett Funeral Home Chapel in Wagoner with the Reverend Charles Duvall officiating. Eli was born April 17, 1929 in the Ray Community west of Hulbert to his parents, Everett Henry and Nora (Castillo) Cole. He grew up and attended school in western Cherokee County until he enlisted into the U.S. Army. Eli served his country during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War earning several commendations. During his military career, he was united in marriage to Kathleen Mae Smith on April 11, 1953 in Tahlequah, OK. After 23 years in the military, he and Kathleen returned home to Oklahoma and settled in the Taylors Ferry area on Lake Ft. Gibson near Wagoner. Eli continued his patriotism through his membership in the V.F.W. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved camping and fishing. Surrounded by his family, Eli passed away peacefully at his home Monday, March 25, 2013. Eli was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Kathleen in 2008; his two brothers, Elisha and Edwin Cole and his two sisters, Nara Ruth Cole and Marie Cole. He is survived by his son, Ralph Eli Cole and his wife, Delisca of Wagoner; numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Ruth Cole, Cheryl Cole, Craig Cole and Zachery Cole. Funeral arrangements and interment in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Hulbert are directed by Mallett Funeral Home of Wagoner.