The community of Muscatine is mourning the sudden passing of 54-year-old Tony Eugene Cole, a man who can brighten up a room with just a smile, as friends say.
Tony died on Monday at the University of Iowa Hospital, leaving behind family and a community that adored him deeply.
Cole had small habits that were unforgettable: He would wave at neighbours during the walks he took daily, or ask people how they were doing and genuinely care about their answers.
He was a proud participant in Special Olympics events, in the Bowling category that he loved. Tony often told his family about the medals he was hoping he would win.
Christmas was Tony’s favorite season; his Aunt Sherry’s homemade noodles were the major reason for this. His family says he used to talk about the noodles for weeks in advance.
Close friends describe him as calm, full of joy, and love for everyone around him. He left his siblings and a large extended family who loved and supported him during his days on earth.
His family gives special thanks to the New Choices care team because of how they treated him like one of their own when he was alive.
The family asks that anyone who wants to celebrate his memory should do so by donation to the organization that he loved so much.
