Cole Dalton Whitford, 29, of Granite City, Illinois passed away at 12:16 a.m. on Sunday, August 4, 2024, along with his beloved wife. He was born March 17, 1995, in Granite City, Illinois, a son of Vicki (Breeden) Whitford of Granite City and Chad D. Whitford Sr. of Granite City. He married Morgan M. (Hillis) Whitford at The Abbey in Columbia, Illinois on October 17, 2020. He was a pipefitter at U.S. Steel in Granite City for five years. He had been a two-time American wrestler and had received many medals and trophies through the years. He enjoyed his days of hunting and fishing and cherished his dogs, Dozer, Cleo, Nova and Harley. He had the biggest heart, very loyal, a protector and big hugger. Cole cherished his family and was a devoted and loving husband and dad. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his two little girls, Remington and Emersyn Whitford; sister, Jessy Boyle of Jerseyville; brother, Chad Drake Jr. of Granite City; nephews and nieces, Maxx, Keigan, Maverick, Adelynne, Abel, Owen and Emmette; grandparents, Donna Whitford of Granite City and Bob and Eileen Howard of Granite City; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ronald and Ellen Hillis of Granite City; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Deidra and Randy Hull of Granite City; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jacob and Amber Hillis of St. Ann, Missouri; special cousins, Ed Lance III of Granite City, Nicholas Lance of Granite City and Justice Ragan of Granite City; other nieces; nephews; extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Ed Whitford.
In celebration of their lives, visitation will be at City Temple, 4751 Maryville Road in Granite City on Friday, August 9, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. where funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024, with Pastor Sam Hart officiating. He will be laid to rest along with his wife at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon. In lieu of floral tributes, memorials may be made to the Remington & Emerson Whitford Benefit Fund and may be accepted at the services or at any FCB Bank location. Irwin Chapel of Granite City in charge of arrangements. www.irwinchapel.com.
