Final Salute

Troy Reid Cole of Cedar Park, Texas, died after a brief illness, on Feb. 8, 2022, with his family by his side. Troy was born July 7, 1926, at the Casa Blanca Ranch in Yucaipa, where he spent his childhood years.

Troy attended the Pass Schoolhouse, assisted his family in farming the ranch and with the annual Yucaipa Rodeo.

At the age of 17, Troy joined the U.S. Navy, after a short bootcamp he was assigned to the USS Silverbell for the duration of WWll. Troy served his country for 35 years in the Navy and Seabees, where he mastered the skill of land surveying. He retired at the rank of EAC-E7. Troy continued his surveying career in Southern California, proudly surveying the site of the future Seven Oaks Dam in Highland.

In the 1950s, Troy lived in Redlands and worked for the Redlands Police Department, where he met the love of his life, Patricia Anderson. They were married 67 years at the time of his death. Troy enjoyed competitive bowling, woodworking, genealogy and collecting antiques. He wrote and published a book, “The Silver Secret of Caballo Bay.” Troy was proud of his contribution to the planning and creation of the Cedar Park Veterans Memorial Park in Cedar Park, Texas.

Troy was a friend to all, possessing both wit and charm. Always a storyteller, with a keen memory and great sense of humor, he would entertain friends with stories of his time during WWll and of his boyhood shenanigans. He was a favorite at the local Hooters restaurant and Panera where he will be dearly missed.

He is predeceased by his infant son Patrick Cole, his sister Gwen Harts and brother Chuck Benefiel.

Troy leaves his beloved wife Pat; sons Troy Cole Jr. and Tracy Cole; daughter Tamara Odenthal (Stephen); granddaughter Emmalie Cole.

Troy will be remembered fondly by his nieces; Kitty Riggins of Bakersfield, Kathy Duncan of Oxnard, Ellen Benefiel and Sandra Morris of Yucaipa and Diane Dawson of Riverside.

Services will be private.