Willard Lewis “Jack” Cole, 85, of Eugene, Oregon passed away Saturday, July 14. He was born in Salem to Willard Lewis and Ethel Alzina (Bonney) Cole.

The Bonney Family settled in the Woodburn area in 1849 after Jack’s great-great-grandpa crossed the Oregon Trail. He was always proud of his family’s pioneer heritage.

Jack was raised in Salem and graduated from Salem High School. He served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1956. After his military service, he worked for Southern Pacific Railroad for 43 years as a locomotive engineer. He started working on steam engines and transitioned to diesel engines. It was rumored he was a legend in his own time.

On April 9, 1961, he married Faye L. Rice in Holley, Oregon. They have three daughters: Susan, Peggy, and Laura; seven grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter, Joey Louise.

Graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 21, at Crawfordsville Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Jack’s name to Food for Lane County.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.