Butch Cole

Leslie (Butch) Charles Cole passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026 at the age of 82. Butch was born and raised in Murray, Utah to Warren Charles Cole and Beth Louise Huish.

Butch loved scouting and was awarded his Eagle Scout at the age of 14. He attended Granite High School where he excelled in math and science and proudly lettered in track. He met the beautiful Linda Jacobsen at a Friday night “hop” (Cottonwood Stake dance) and after a couple of weeks of dancing and a few long walks home, he got up the courage to present Linda with his most prized possession at the time, his Eagle Scout ring. This was the beginning of a long and beautiful life together built on love, faith, and service

Butch served in the US Army from June through December of 1961 and in the British Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from July 1962 to 1964. He attended the University of Utah and earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, a minor in Physics, and a teaching certificate. He remained a die-hard “Utah Man” throughout his life. After graduation he worked at IBM for 25 years, American Stores for 4 years, and retired working as a loan officer for Security West.

He married the love of his life, Linda Jacobsen, in the Salt Lake Temple on September 1, 1966. They are proud parents to eight children and their spouses Lane (Melanie), Daren (Jamie), Ryan (Juliana), Jason (Amber), Kevin (Nikki), Christian (Kristal), Mindy (Greg), and Brenden (Lindsey), as well as 28 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and one more on the way.

After retirement, he and Linda embarked on many adventures visiting Yellowstone, Hawaii, London, Israel, and took numerous cruises throughout the world. They were called to serve at the Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission, where they guided visitors through the Conference Center along with many VIP tours with their grandchildren.

During the Christmas season, Butch and Linda ‘worked’ a part‑time gig as Santa and Mrs. Claus—complete with frequent guest appearances from their North Pole elves (aka the grandchildren). For them, the Christmas magic was always about the kids, and they relished any opportunity to spread Christmas cheer. Their December calendar was booked with Mr. and Mrs. Claus’ visits throughout the valley, and they became a beloved Christmas tradition for many families for nearly 25 years.

Butch loved everything about sports and was a dedicated mentor and coach to his kids. He never missed a game or an opportunity to keep the referees “honest”. In his later years, he continued this legacy with his grandchildren as the most invested and loudest fan on the sideline. He became an expert at softball, soccer, mountain biking, basketball, swimming, football, and lacrosse and had invaluable advice not only for his grandchildren, but also for their teammates, the opposing team, coaches and referees alike. He enjoyed golfing and the over-par conversations on the course with his friends, sons, and grandsons. His weekend-morning specialty was cooking a full breakfast spread, complete with personalized pancakes for each child in the room. A tradition that started with his own children and continued with his grandchildren.

Butch was passionate about family history and created a book of remembrance for each of his children cataloging every detail of their lives. From the elementary “works of art” to graduation announcements it was all there; Butch was a bear for details.

Above all, Butch loved his wife, family, and the Gospel. He served faithfully in many callings and was known for his bear hugs, heart-felt tears, and powerful testimony of the resorted gospel of Jesus Christ. We are forever grateful for his love, work ethic, and showing us what it means to walk the covenant path. The last few years of his life were dedicated to loving and taking full time care of his true love Linda.

Butch is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Dale and Jim, his sisters Barbara and Susan, and his granddaughter Schelby.

In lieu of flowers we invite you to honor our father by spending intentional time with those God has eternally and purposely placed in your life - your spouse, children, grandchildren, family, friends, and loved ones. Play nine holes of golf, share a meal, take a weekend road trip, or simply be present together. Create memories rooted in love, gratitude, and faith. Our dad believed deeply in the blessing of eternal families and friendships, and in cherishing the sacred time we are given together on earth.

Viewing and funeral services will be held at the River 10th Ward, 1570 West 11400 South, South Jordan, Utah

Evening Viewing - Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Daytime Viewing - Monday, February 2, 2026, from 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM

Funeral services - Monday, February 2, 2026, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Graveside service - Monday, February 2, 2026, 1:00 PM at Memorial Mountain View Mortuary & Cemetery, 3115 East Bengal Blvd. (7800 South), Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84121.

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