John L. Cole, 81, of East Peoria, passed away at 9:40am Sunday, July 12, 2020 at his home. John was born October 25, 1938 in Pana, IL to the late Edgar and Easter Dilley Cole. He married Judith Cole; she preceded him in death. He then married Carol J. Kauffman in 1993. Surviving is his wife Carol of East Peoria; two sons, Kevin (Faith) Cole of East Peoria and Steve Cole of Louisiana; step-children, Karen Thompson of Owatonna, MN and Brad Fandel of Champaign; 10 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren; siblings Olivia and Princess; many nieces and nephews, including two special nephews Jody (Becky) Cole of Maryville, TN and Joe (Judy) Cole of Walland, TN. He was also preceded in death by 6 siblings. John was a hard worker, often working 3 jobs to support his family. He retired just 7 years ago after 46 years of service at Caterpillar, last working in salvage as a machinist. He loved to be outdoors, whether he was muskie fishing in Wisconsin or visiting the Smoky Mountains. He loved travel, watching Nascar, playing darts, and was a member of the Hanna City Sportsmen's Club. John will be remembered as a quiet, kind man who loved and cared for his family. Family will receive friends at a visitation from 3-5:00pm on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Cremation rites have been accorded.