John Henry Cole III

John H. Cole, 73, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at his home in Lakeside, Arizona, with his wife Dianne by his side. He was born June 12, 1941 in Phoenix, Arizona to John H. and Olive Gaither Cole. He grew up in the Phoenix area, graduating from Sunnyslope High School in 1960. He played football and excelled in swimming. Johnny moved to Show Low in 1974. He spent most of his working years as an auto mechanic. He worked at the Snowflake Paper Mill, Salt River Project in St. Johns, his own business, Johnny's Automotive (mobile unit) for 8 years, and worked for Fraley's Auto Service, where he retired after 8 years. Johnny enjoyed life and lived each day as a gift from God. He liked hunting, fishing, trap shooting, woodworking, yard work, dancing, and of course, working on cars & trucks. He also liked Nascar Racing and watching the Arizona Cardinals play ball. He participated in the Auto Extravaganza, "The Great American Race" (From the West Coast to the East Coast) for 2 consecutive years, the first year as a mechanic & the second year as a driver. On June 18, 2000 Johnny met his true love, Dianne, at the Show Low Elks Lodge, and 2 years later were married on June 15, 2002. They had a happy, loving life together. They loved dancing together & travelling with their 5th Wheel. They took 3 cruises together. Johnny was a life member of the Show Low Elks Lodge #2090. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church in Show Low. He was a super friendly guy and his smile would light up a room. He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. He is survived by his wife, Dianne; son Johnny (Cindy); daughter Jodi (Kelly) and 4 grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 28, at 1:00 pm at the First Baptist Church, 700 N. Central Ave. in Show Low, with Pastor Lowell Warren officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Compassus, 1789 W. Commerce Dr. Lakeside, AZ 85929.