Tinch Arnold Cole Senior

Tinch Arnold Cole Senior
A Life Well Lived
March 13, 1934—June 8, 2026

Tinch Arnold Cole Senior was born on March 13, 1934, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to Dave Cole and
Martha Day. He spent his early childhood in Tahlequah before his family settled in Blackwell, Oklahoma,
where he attended Blackwell schools and developed the strong, determined character that would define
his life. At just 17 years old, Tinch answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States
Navy in 1951. He served proudly as a Radio Man Seaman until 1955 — a chapter of his life he carried
with great pride. In November 1956, Tinch married the love of his life, Wanda May Hunt, in Blackwell,
Oklahoma. Together they built a life full of adventure, calling both Oklahoma and Southern California
home over the years before returning to Blackwell in 1979, where they planted roots for good. Tinch
worked hard to provide for his family, including a tenure with JB Hunt before joining the Sheet Metal
Workers International, from which he proudly retired in 1999.
In retirement, Tinch found joy in the simple pleasures — a fishing line in the water and continued time
with Wanda on the bowling lanes, a passion they had shared together for over 30 years. After Wanda's
passing in 2003, love found Tinch once more, and in 2007 he married Barbara Jean McConnell of Milfay,
Oklahoma. They made their happy home together in Blackwell until Barbara's passing in 2020.
Tinch leaves behind a legacy as wide and deep as the Oklahoma sky. He is survived by three
daughters, Connie Cole of Blackwell, Wilma Durbin and her husband Larry of Blackwell, and Loretta D.
Martin of Blackwell; two stepdaughters, Phyllis Cobb of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Pam Brown of
Chillicothe, Missouri; 14 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; his
brother Gary Cole; sisters Mattie Delaney of Oklahoma and Pattie Ingram of Texas; and numerous nieces,
nephews, family, and friends who will deeply miss him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, five sisters, his daughter Terry Evyonne
Wheeler, and his son Tinch Arnold Cole Junior.
Tinch Arnold Cole Senior passed from this world on June 8, 2026. He was 92 years old. He lived
fully, loved deeply, and leaves behind a family that is his greatest testament.
Visitation will be Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 2:00 pm till 7:00 pm and Wednesday, June 17, 2026,
from 9:00 am till 7:00 pm at the Roberts and Son Funeral Home.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 pm Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Christ's Church 1203 South
6th Street, Blackwell, Oklahoma. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at robertsandsonfh.com
Roberts & Son Funeral Home