A Heart That Never Met a Stranger: Muscatine Mourns Special Olympics Athlete Tony Eugene Cole
Tony's friendliness was a gift to all who crossed his path.
December 3, 2026
This article was last updated by Rohit Maharjan on December 3, 2026
Tony Eugene Cole, a member of Special Olympics at Muscatine Schools, passed away at the age of 54 at the University of Iowa Hospital on December 1, 2026.
He enjoyed walking, bowling, and special Olympics activities.
Tony Eugene Cole was a familiar and friendly face in Muscatine.
He graduated from the Muscatine school system and lived a life full of simple joys and genuine connections.
He was an enthusiastic participant in the Special Olympics, where he thrived in the spirit of competition and camaraderie. His favorite activities were bowling and walking.
However, Tony loved people more than anything. He had a remarkably open heart and never met a stranger. He was always ready to share a conversation and a smile.
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Tony Cole’s Legacy of Friendship and Simple Pleasures
Tony Eugene Cole, the son of Vernon E. Cole and Terry Honea Hunter, was born on October 27, 1971, in Muscatine, Iowa.
He passed away at the age of 54 at the University of Iowa Hospital.
Tony was a proud participant in the Special Olympics, where he found joy, friendship, and accomplishment.
He had a vibrant spirit and found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. He had a gift for conversation and cherished connecting with everyone he met.
His favorite times were the holidays, especially Christmas, and he held a special fondness for his aunt Sherry’s homemade noodles.
Tony is survived by his siblings, Mindy Cole, Christy Cole, Brandy Everhart, Misty Cole, Vern Cole, Dale Dodd, Lisa Dodd, and Michael Dodd.
Likewise, he shared a close bond with his aunts and uncles, Norma Stelzner, Dean Cole, Sherry Morgan, Kathy Seefeldt, and Babbie Lambert, alongside several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
On the other hand, he was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Betty Burgess; his grandparents, Robert and Mary Honea, and Ralph and Wilma Cole; and his aunt, Dory Stecher.
The Cole family will receive visitation from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2026, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home.
Vern Cole will officiate a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery.
Instead of flowers, memorials may be made to New Choices. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.
The Cole family extended their special thanks to the New Choices staff, Joe, Jenny, Amanda, Marie, and Mark, for their exceptional care, compassion, and love for Tony.
Tony’s journey reminds us of the profound impact of kindness, the joy of everyday pleasures, and the warmth of community.
Rest In Peace, Tony Eugene Cole.
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Ashish Maharjan, author at Players Bio, has been covering news with a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. A writer with a passion for capturing the essence of athletic competition.
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