Merl Lynn Cole

Merl Lynn Cole, age 70, passed away on June 5, 2026, after a long fight with Parkinson's. Merl was a beloved husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather. He was strong in his faith and had a deep love for everyone around him.

Merl leaves behind a legacy of faith in God, hard work, and a lifetime of wonderful memories. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Nancy Cole; his son, Joshua (Maranda) Cole and his daughter, Jackie (Clint) Crain. He also leaves behind his six beloved grandchildren: Brody Cole, Peyton Cole, Dailyn (Hayden) Hargrave, Addison (Trevor) Little, Jocilyn Crain, and Deakon Crain. He is also survived by his brother, Larry (Kathy) Cole, his sister-in-law, Frances Cole; and a host of extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Thomas "Tommy" and Loraine Cole, and his two brothers, Danny Cole and Jerry Cole.

Born on December 14, 1955, in Big Spring, Texas, Merl’s roots were incredibly important to him. He spent his early childhood in South Dakota, loved his time in South Dakota and made many trips back throughout his life to visit the family farm and see relatives and friends made over the years. As a young boy, he moved to Romance, Arkansas, where he grew up, graduated high school, and most importantly, met the love of his life, Nancy in Searcy.

Merl and Nancy shared 51 wonderful years of marriage, a partnership defined by deep love and steadfast devotion. Together, they built a beautiful family. He cherished being a dad to his children and a grandad to his six grandchildren, always putting God and his family first.

Professionally, Merl enjoyed a long and dedicated career at Pepsi-Cola, eventually retiring after 46 years. Merl had more than co-workers but in some ways family with his Pepsi-Cola family and bonds that have lasted a lifetime. Bobby, Mike, Doyle, Chris, Christine, and many more were actively involved in his life and knew his family well. Merl was recognized as best in the nation on a few occasions for his work for Pepsi-Cola. While Merl enjoyed employment with Gibsons and Magic Mart prior to finding employment with Pepsi, Pepsi became home.

Merl was a man of steadfast faith in God, living his life with a humble, & grateful heart. He had a deep appreciation for bluegrass music -especially Gospel bluegrass. If there was a Bluegrass concert or festival nearby he was asking Nancy and friends to go.

He also felt truly alive in the great outdoors, especially when sharing that passion with his closest friends and family. Merl loved Deer and Pheasant hunting, but his absolute favorite pastime was fishing, Crappie Fishing. Good lord, if Heaven above has a fishing hole they just gained one heck of an angler. He was, without a doubt, one heck of a Crappie fisherman. Some of his family’s fondest memories revolve around the fish fry events he would host at his house, for Churches and family events. Merl loved bringing his circle together to share his latest catch, and anyone lucky enough to secure a plate knew he cooked the absolute best fish around.

Celebration of Life will be Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Compass Church in Batesville, Arkansas. 

Visitation will be Saturday, June 13, 2026, beginning at 10:30 a.m. and continuing until service time. 

The family would like to express their appreciation to very special friends of Merl’s. They have been there and helped out the family throughout Merl’s fight with Parkinson's: Keith & TJ Knight, Randall Coe, Rusty & Patty Tatum, and Mike & Tina Alexander. Your friendship will forever be remembered. Your kindness and support of Merl & Nancy are invaluable.