Cole Douglas Gleason, 70, of Kirksville, MO, peacefully passed away Thursday, January 2, 2025, after suffering a stroke in late November. He was surrounded by family and close friends at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, MO throughout his entire stay.

The son of the late Earl and Marjorie (Reed) Gleason, Cole was born December 1, 1954, in Kirksville, MO. He spent his entire life in Kirksville, graduating with the Kirksville High School Class of 1973 and going on to attend Northeast Missouri State University. In 1973, Cole and his father began construction of their own auto parts store. Gleason Automotive Warehouse Distributors, Inc. became a dream come true, offering a full line of auto parts and a machine shop. The store quickly expanded, becoming a NAPA Auto Parts store, and operated successfully as Gleason Auto Parts until Cole’s retirement in December 2016.

As a youth, Cole achieved the rank of Eagle Scout through Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of the First Christian Church and most recently attended East Center Community Church. Cole was a proud life member of the National Rifle Association and the Loyal Order of Moose #1751. Other notable memberships included the Adair Lodge 366 AF & AM and the Glock Sport Shooting Foundation.

An accomplished marksman, Cole competed in various pistol disciplines, most actively in the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) and Glock Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF). He traveled across the United States for competitions, including The Gunny Challenge, Iron Man Competitions, and even to Cape Town, South Africa.

August 1, 2009, Cole married Leann (Voss) Gleason, with whom he shared his life and love of camping, traveling, and adventure. Camping was a lifelong passion for Cole, instilled by his parents through tent camping trips in Colorado during his childhood. In retirement, Cole and Leann enjoyed countless camping adventures across the United States, spending winters with dear friends in the Florida Keys. He cherished warm weather, traveling, and his great circle of close friends.

Cole is survived by his wife Leann (Voss) Gleason of Kirksville, MO; his son, Grant Gleason of Kirksville, MO; stepdaughters, Megan (Shannon Bardwell) McClanahan of Warrensburg, MO, and Molly (Makenna) Cook of Lee’s Summit, MO; granddaughters, Sterling Gleason of Kirksville, MO; Stormy Gleason of Newton, NC; and close family friend, Kadi Findling of St. Petersburg, FL.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2025, with the family receiving friends from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Travis Noe Funeral Home. A Loyal Order of Moose Ritual will be held at 1:00 PM.

Funeral services will begin at 3:00 PM in the chapel of the Travis Noe Funeral Home, with Pastor Tim Polley officiating. A Masonic Ceremony will be performed during the service. Inurnment will be at East Center Cemetery at a later date.

Cole’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He was known for his adventurous spirit, love of the outdoors, and dedication to his family and friends. He will be deeply missed and remembered for his kind heart, sharp wit, and unwavering commitment to living life to the fullest.

To celebrate Cole’s career in the auto parts industry and his passion for shooting sports, memorial donations may be made to the Cole Gleason Memorial Fund. These funds will be used locally to further advance youth education and training in both areas. These may be left at or mailed to the Travis Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.