Newspaper editor, Springfield native John Cole dies

AVON LAKE — John Cole, a Springfield native, North High School graduate and long-time editor of the Lorain Morning Journal newspaper, died Thursday at his home.

Cole, 61, and his wife Lois lived in Avon Lake. Cole had retired in 2008 after 29 years as editor of the Lorain Morning Journal. He began his working career at the former Springfield Sun newspaper and began as a reporter at the Lorain paper in 1974.

“He was a talented, passionate, tough as nails newsman,” the Journal reported.

Cole is survived by his wife, Lois (nee Bremer); their children, Wendolyn Klein, of Columbia City, Indiana, and Kip Sipe (Darlene), of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and grandchildren Veronica, Charlotte, Donovan and Charlie. He also leaves his mother, Betty Cole (nee Stimmel) of Springfield, and brother, Robert W. Cole Jr., of Louisville, Kentucky.

In addition, he is survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert W. Cole as well as his uncle, former Clark County Common Pleas Judge Richard Cole.

Arrangements are being handled by the Busch Funeral Home, Avon.

A memorial service will be held at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be forwarded to the Avon Lake Public Library Endowment Fund, 32649 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake, 44012