Owen Wayne Cole, 71, of Clayton, DE, passed away on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at Bayhealth Hospital, Dover, DE.

He was born in Dover on January 30, 1950, the son of the late Earle W. and Pearl E. (Morris) Cole.

Owen was a 1968 graduate of Smyrna High School and served in the National Guard right from high school. He later obtained a degree in Drafting and Design from Delaware Technical Community College.

He was very active and held many offices within the Department and District American Legion of Delaware and within the American Legion Post 14. Owen was also actively involved with the Boys State. He began his career at A&P Supermarket, his true passion was agriculture - being raised on his grandparent's farm in Smyrna, DE. He also worked for Milford Fertilizer (Growmark FS), C.T. Morris Trucking, and driving the bus for Lillian Smith Senior Center.

He loved his family and friends, especially his Legion family and all his Farmers.  He was happiest attending all his grandchildren's sporting events, visiting Woodland Beach, spreading lime and being in the fields with crops.

He will be remembered as Dad, Brother, Pop-Pop and Friend, who will forever honor his memory and continue his legacy.

He is survived by his children, Scott (Kelley) Cole, Susan Cole (Brandon Diaz), Britney Cole and Brandy Jewell; eight grandchildren, Grayson, Carter, Bryce, KK, Everett, Tanner, Paisley, Delaney; his siblings Almeda (Dee) Cole and Mary Jane Diemicke; and his aunt, Virginia Morris. He was preceded in death by his dog Ebony.

A Celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be sent to American Legion Post 14, P.O. Box 345, Smyrna DE  19977; Lillian Smith Senior Center, P.O. Box 76, Clayton DE  19938; or the Smyrna Little League, P.O. Box 114, Clayton DE  19938.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Lillian Smith Senior Center and American Legion Post 14.

To sign the online guestbook, please click on the tab marked "View and Sign Guestbook".

Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.