Michael “Mike” Renè Cole, 69, of Kilgore, Texas, passed away on September 18, 2026.

Mike was born January 5, 1957, in Haughton, Louisiana, to Walter Eugene Cole and Frankie Catherine Noble Cole.

He was married to his wife, Candy Jane Haun Cole, for 51 years. Mike worked for many years at Bowen/National Oilwell Varco before retiring.

Mike was known for his larger-than-life personality, sense of humor, and love for his family. He enjoyed fishing, tinkering, and working on anything with wheels and a motor. He especially loved cars and hot rods and was always talking about the next one he wanted to buy, fix up, or get running. Mike could find a way to spin the tires on just about anything.

He also loved sharing those interests with his children and grandchildren and enjoyed seeing them take off in something he had helped restore. After retirement, weekly family gatherings in Haughton became something he especially looked forward to.

Mike had a gift for making people laugh. He loved to pick on the people closest to him, but he also had a way of making them feel loved. Above all, Mike loved his family deeply, and his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the most important parts of his life.

Mike is survived by his wife, Candy Cole; his children, Kami Cole-Hail and Brandon Cole (Nichole); his grandchildren, Kurtis Hail, Austin Hail (Jordan), Kinzie Hail, Jordan Linton, Justice London (Amy), and Tristin Smith; ten great-grandchildren; his sister, Teri Redding; mother-in-law, Ethel Virginia Sandel Haun; brothers-in-law, John Haun and Curt Haun and numerous extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Eugene Cole and Frankie Catherine Noble Cole, along with many other beloved family members and dear friends who passed before him.

Mike will be remembered for his humor, his love of family, his love of cars and anything with a motor, and the many memories he leaves behind with those who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore. The family will receive friends for visitation at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Danville Cemetery.