John G. Cole, 61, Retired Morning Journal Editor, Avon Lake Resident

John G. Cole became editor of the Lorain Journal in 1979, when the daily newspaper was printed and distributed in the afternoon.

The Avon Lake resident, who suffered from kidney disease for many years and died Feb. 3 at age 61, steered the paper through its transition to a morning paper called the Morning Journal in the late 1980s.

After retiring in 2008, he wrote a weekly opinion column for the Morning Journal’s chief competitor, the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram.

Cole, who cemented the Journal’s reputation as a watch dog for average citizens, continued routinely criticizing public officials and government workers without reservation in his new forum.

Occasionally, he praised them. Sometimes he wrote inspirational or cautionary tales of people, who often had nothing to do with government.  

In 2003, the Cleveland Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists gave Cole a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Cole, who was born in Springfield, OH, graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Denison University and earned a master’s degree in journalism from Ohio State University.

He began working at the Journal in 1974. Within five years, he worked his way from reporter to city editor to managing editor to editor.

Cole is survived by his wife, Lois; children, Wendolyn Klein, of Columbia City, IN, and Kip Sipe of Fort Wayne, IN; four grandchildren; his mother, Betty of Springfield; and brother, Robert W.  Jr. of Louisville, KY. His father, Robert W., is deceased.

A memorial service will be held at a later date and announced by .

Memorial donations may be made to the Endowment Fund, 32649 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake, OH 44012.