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Bowling Green Community Remembers John David Cole

The Bowling Green community park, a place for reflection and remembrance of cherished members.

News Summary

The Bowling Green community is mourning the loss of John David Cole, an esteemed attorney and community leader, who passed away at the age of 86. Known for his legal contributions and commitment to the community, Cole’s legacy includes significant advancements in law and education in Kentucky. He is survived by his family, who will honor his life during memorial services in January 2025.

Bowling Green Community Mourns the Loss of John David Cole

Bowling Green, Kentucky, is coming together to honor the life and legacy of one of its cherished residents, John David Cole, who passed away on December 22, 2024, at the age of 86. A respected attorney and community leader, David was known for both his legal contributions and his deep commitment to his hometown.

A Life Well-Lived

Born in the vibrant city of Louisville on June 17, 1938, David was the son of James D. Cole and Edna Campbell Cole. After graduating from Nicholasville High School in 1956, he took a bold step into service, joining the United States Marine Corps. Following his military tenure, he pursued higher education, earning a B.S. from the University of Kentucky in 1962 and later obtaining his J.D. from the College of Law at the University of Kentucky in 1964.

Legal Career and Community Involvement

David’s legal career unfolded in Bowling Green, where he practiced law from 1964 until he closed his practice in December 2019. He gained recognition in the early years of his practice for his work in criminal litigation, significantly contributing to the repeal of the Kentucky Habitual Criminal Act. His legal expertise extended beyond criminal law, and he was actively involved in high-profile cases, including the Beverly Hills Supper Club fire litigation. Over the decades, his work spanned across various fields, including products liability and medical malpractice defense litigation.

Family First

In 1966, David married Rodes Kay Myers, with whom he shared a life until her passing in 1998. They raised three sons together: John David Cole, Jr., Rodes Myers Cole, and William Mohead Cole, all of whom attended The McCallie School. Each son followed a unique path—John David Jr. graduated from Mississippi State University and practices law in Bowling Green, while Rodes now resides in Atlanta, Georgia, after attending Emory University. William now calls Bend, Oregon home after graduating from the University of Mississippi.

In 2000, David remarried to Vickie Ambrose Cole, who brought her children, William Clayton Campbell and Anne Campbell Hawkins, into his family. The blending of their families added to the rich tapestry of David’s life.

Faith and Community Leadership

David was a devout member of Christ Episcopal Church, where he served on the Vestry and held the position of Senior Warden. His involvement extended to the Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky, where he served as Chancellor. Beyond his faith community, David took on leadership roles as the past President of the Bowling Green Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also an original member of The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence and played a pivotal role in founding WKU Public Radio. His dedication to education was evident throughout his career, serving as Chairman of the WKU Student Life Foundation and as a member and Chairman of the Western Kentucky University Board of Regents.

Legacy and Final Resting Place

The legal community will remember David for his service as a Special Justice on the Supreme Court of Kentucky, where he left a published opinion that contributed to Kentucky’s legal landscape. He was a long-time member of the Kentucky Board of Bar Admissions, dedicating twenty-three years to the organization. David’s final wishes were honored with his cremation, with half of his ashes resting alongside his first wife, Kay, at Fairview Cemetery, while the remainder was placed in the columbarium at Christ Church in Bowling Green.

Friends and family will have the opportunity to pay their respects during visitation from 11:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on January 11, 2025, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 P.M. A reception at the church will give attendees a chance to share memories and celebrate the remarkable life of John David Cole.

The Cole family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Linda Mindel, David’s caregiver, and Hospice of Southern Kentucky for their compassionate care during his final days.