In Memoriam

In Memoriam of Coy A Cole

Coy Allen Cole died on November 19, 2019. I searched for an obituary online and could not find one. I wasn’t sure why this was. Perhaps it was too painful for the family or perhaps it was because the investigation into his death is ongoing.  In any case, the newspapers focused on the murder suspects and did not give any information about the victim, which I thought was sad. I decided to find out what I could about Coy Cole so that I could honor him.

Coy Allen Cole was born in June 1967 to Lila June Cole (1936-2019) and Ronald Dwight Cole (1939-2001) of Republic, who proceeded him in death. Lila June Cole was originally from Peel, Arkansas, but lived in Republic most of her life. She worked at Kraft for 23 years. If I am not mistaken, Cole worked at Kraft at some point as well. He leaves behind his siblings: Renita Nordyke, Garry  Cole and Millie Webb. His sister Ronna Cole also proceeded him in death (1971-2009).

Cole would have graduated from Republic High School in 1985 or 1986. Cole also served in the Military. His name is listed on the Memorial Wall in Republic. I have not been able to confirm which branch of the military he served in, but I believe it was the Marines. I do not have the date of his service, but if I had to guess, I would say from about 1986 to 1990.  Ray Fryling, who served for 13 years in the United States Army, said he respected the hell out of Cole for his military service.

Cole lived in Republic, Springfield, Hurley and, for a while, in Billings, Montana. He was married and divorced twice. I believe he has at least one child from his marriages. At the time of his death was unmarried, but seeing someone. He posted a list of videos dedicated to her on YouTube. The playlist Coy created for his girlfriend included; “Hungry Like the Wolf” by Duran, Duran, “Maneater” by Hall and Oats, “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, “High On You” by Survivor, “Caught Up In You” by .38 Special, “You Don’t Want Me” by the Human League, “Take It On The Run” by REO Speedwagon and “Building A Mystery” by Sarah McLaughlin

Cole is listed as a Christian and a Republican. Sadly, it seems that Coy Cole struggled with drinking and drugs. He had a criminal record as well. I do not know if he saw combat action, but I have to wonder if he struggled with PTSD. I have seen firsthand how PTSD can reek havoc on someone’s life.

At the time of Cole’s death Matthew Abney was staying with Cole at his home in Miller, Missouri. I do not know how Abney and Cole met, but they both grew up in Republic. Abney had previously been living in Verona with Ray Fryling until Ray Fryling moved in October of 2019.  Abney then stayed with Cole until the time of the murder. Abney did not stay in the house in Miller in the two weeks between the murder and his arrest.

According a statement given to the police, Cole had shared his drugs with Abney’s girlfriend. When Abney discovered this, he threatened to kill his girlfriend. He shot at her, but missed. According to the witness, he then shot and killed Cole. It is my belief that Cole was killed only because Abney could not bring himself to kill his girlfriend.

When Abney was arrested for parole violations and questioned about the disappearance of his roommate Cole, he told the police that Ray Fryling had killed him, which was a blatant lie. In fact, Fryling was saddened to hear of Cole’s death. He did not know him well, but he liked him.  He had no reason to harm him.

Fryling was cleared of the murder charges when Matthew Abney was charged instead in January of 2020. Cole, in my opinion, was not really the target of Abney’s wrath. Abney’s girlfriend was the one he was angry with and she was the one he wanted to control. Cole had merely gotten tangled up in Abney’s melodrama, which was not only unfair, but tragic as well.

It appears as Cole’s life was sacrificed for the life of Abney’s girlfriend. Cole had been willing to lay down his life for his country, I would like to think that he would have been willing to lay down his life for the young woman who is still alive out there because of him.

My heart goes out to the friends and family of Coy Allen Cole. I am truly sorry for your loss. If anyone who knows Coy Allen Cole would like to share any stories or memories they have of him, I would love to hear them. His life should be celebrated.