Rev. Baron W. Cole, 74, of Franklin, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025, at Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings. Memorial services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, west of Macon. Private family inurnment will be held later. There will be no visitation. Rather than flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to Lutheran Disaster Relief, or to the Franklin Thrift Store and Food Pantry. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Baron Whitley Cole was born September 5, 1950, in Martinez, CA to Harold and Ruth (Whitley) Cole. He grew up in the Concordia and Antioch areas where he graduated from Antioch High School. Baron furthered his education at the University of California, Santa Cruz, earning his bachelor's degree in history. He entered the United States Army where he served his country until being medically discharged due to an injury. Baron worked various jobs until entering study at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, where he earned his Master of Divinity.

Baron was united in marriage to Nancy Hendry on March 2, 1974, at The Old Mission Church in Santa Barbara, CA, and to their union, two children were born: Jason and Sarah. The family resided in various areas where Baron faithfully served many congregations. He began serving two years at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Malcolm, NE and later, he co-pastored many congregations alongside Nancy. Those locations included: ten years at Peace Lutheran Church in Alma, NE, and many years in and around Franklin County, serving Zion Lutheran Church – Macon, First Congregational Church – Franklin, United Church of Christ – Riverton, Fredericksburg Lutheran Church – Minden, as well as interim pastoring at Bethany Lutheran Church – Axtell, and First Presbyterian Church – Axtell. They also served as chaplains of Bethany Home in Minden and Colonial Villa in Alma. Baron retired from active ministry in 2020.

Baron had a love for all things History. He enjoyed reading and learning about anything related to war history. Baron could play both the organ and piano, which often made a very busy church service for him! He was a devoted football fan, rarely missing a Raiders, 49'ers, or Cornhuskers game. Baron enjoyed photography and spending time with his family. Baron had a servant heart, often placing the needs of his congregations before his own. He was a dedicated husband, father, minister, colleague, and friend to many.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Nancy Cole of Franklin; daughter, Sarah Cole of Lawrence, KS; sister-in-law, Elaine (James) Keenan of Santa Barbara, CA; several nephews, a niece, cousins, many colleagues, friends, and members of his church families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jason Cole; and mother and father-in-law, Charlotte and Dayton Hendry.

Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com .