Benjamin A. Cole, age 87, of Meshoppen, Auburn Township, passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at Endless Mountains Health Systems in Montrose, PA surrounded by his loving family.  Ben was born in Endicott, New York on May 6, 1937, the son of the late Arthur Benjamin and Elizabeth Graham Cole. He graduated from Meshoppen High School in 1956.

After high school, Ben owned and operated the A.B. Cole Dairy Farm, located outside Meshoppen, PA for over 40 years and then went on to work at Proctor and Gamble for Staff Management.

Ben was an honorary member of the Meshoppen Rod & Gun Club, member of the Meshoppen Independent Church, he sat on the board of the Overfield Cemetery Association, United Penn Bank Board, FSA Board, member of the Holstein Association, member of the Farm Bureau, and spent many years cooking chicken alongside the fire department.   He was also a member of the Meshoppen Men's Club and was an instrumental part of the annual Christmas party the club held.

He spent his early years playing in several baseball, basketball and bowling leagues.  He enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren playing in their various sports.  Ben enjoyed volunteering as a little league umpire for his grandchildren in Auburn Center.  Everyone who knew Ben, knew he was a huge Philadelphia Phillies baseball fan and made many trips to watch them play.

Ben and his wife Phyllis spent 30 plus years going to Florida as snowbirds at Whispering Pines Park in Frostproof, Florida. Florida was Ben's happy place! He was known as the bingo king!  He enjoyed shuffleboard, golf, picking strawberries, riding his three-wheel bike, visits from friends and family, and sitting in the hot tub too long!

Ben is survived by his wife of 67 years, Phyllis (Hunter) and their six children, Candy Smith of Nanticoke, PA, Penny Farr (Philip) of Mehoopany, PA, Brian Cole of Clarks Green, PA, Cindy Cole of Meshoppen, PA, Chris Cole (Jamie) of Meshoppen, PA and Art Cole (Betsy) of Meshoppen, PA.  Along with 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, a brother-in-law, sister-in-law and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by a grandson, Casey Smith and sisters, Marjorie Lee (Ken) and Betty White.

The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to the nurses, doctors and staff at the Endless Mountains Health Systems, family and friends for all their support.

A Funeral Service for Ben will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 1:00 PM from the Sheldon Funeral Home, 8206 Main Street, Meshoppen, PA with Reverend Tina Henning of the Meshoppen Independent Church officiating.  Interment to follow at Overfield cemetery.  A Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 from 11:00 AM until the start of the service.

In lieu of flowers: contributions can be made to Meshoppen Independent Church (sent to Bruce Priestner, PO Box 159, Meshoppen, PA 18630) or Meshoppen Volunteer Fire Department (donations can be sent to Sara Robinson at Peoples Security Bank, PO Box 129, Meshoppen, PA 18630).

Online condolences may be made at www.SheldonFuneralHomes.com.