Lyndell L. "Beaver" Cole

Lyndell Leon “Beaver” Cole, 86, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 8:53 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025, in St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, IL. 

Beaver was born on March 13, 1938, in Hull, IL, the son of J.O. and Wilma (Kunzeman) Cole. He graduated from Payson High School and enrolled in the United States Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged in 1958 and began farming and working construction. He married Betty Faulkner on August 21, 1960, and they had three daughters, Betsy, Belinda, and Debbie. When the family moved to Shelbyville, Beaver worked at the Interstate Producers Sale Barn, from 1968-1987. He then began working for the City of Shelbyville, retiring in 2003. He also owned and operated Beaver’s BBQ in Shelbyville for many years. Beaver was a member of the Shelbyville Moose Lodge #1294 and served as the manager of the Roy Vanderpool American Legion Post #81 in Shelbyville for 25 years. He enjoyed history, reading, cooking, watching the Chicago Cubs, and picking on family and friends alike.

Beaver is survived by his daughters, Betsy Lynn Parzyk of Westmont, IL, Belinda May Keller (Jim) of Shelbyville, IL, and Debbie Sue Cole of Morton, IL; sister, Carolyn Spratt of Galesburg, IL; six grandchildren, Brittany Walbright of Philadelphia, PA, David Walbright (Samantha) of Shelbyville, IL, Alexis Johnson (Marcus) of Morton, IL, Garrett Grice of Galesburg, IL, Audrey O’hara (Paddy) of Nashville, TN, Louisa Parzyk of Westmont, IL; three great grandchildren, Triston Weyer, Leah Johnson, and Benaiah Johnson all of Morton, IL; and two step-great grandchildren, Carson Palmer-Sickles and Izayah Mink both of Shelbyville, IL. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Wayne Cole; and sister, Betty Riebok. 

A celebration of Beaver’s life will take place at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association for research or the Mooseheart Child City and School and mailed to Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, 415 North Broadway, Shelbyville, IL 62565.