Wyatt Cole

Parker "Wyatt" Cole, age 20, of Owenton passed away from injuries received in an auto accident on Sunday, February 10, 2019, in Martin, TN.

Wyatt was born January 18, 1999, in Lexington, KY and was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dr. Newell G. and Helen Waldie Hicks.   He was a 2017 graduate of Owen County High School where he played basketball and was a member of FFA.  He was currently a sophomore at the University of Tennessee at Martin where he was majoring in Agricultural Business and was a rodeo student-athlete. Wyatt began his rodeo career in kindergarten team roping with his brother, Quinn.  His accomplishments were extensive, he was an active member of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association; the USTRC; member of the IPRA Rodeo; past member of the of NHSRA; and past member of both the Indiana and Kentucky High School Rodeo Associations; he qualified  multiple times for National Finals Rodeo in both Junior High and High School and finished 12th in the nation in Team Roping with his brother Quinn. Cole advanced to the finals of three collegiate rodeos during the 2018-19 season, representing UT Martin in team roping at Missouri Valley College (Sept. 20-22) and in steer wrestling at both Three Rivers College (Oct. 11-13) and at Murray State (Nov. 15-17). He accumulated team points in each of his steer wrestling performances, including a career-best third-place finish in average (13.6 seconds) at Murray State.  Most importantly, he was strong in his belief and faith in God and was a member of the Owenton First Christian Church.  He is best summed up by his dad, "Wyatt literally lived life to the fullest, wide open with no fear."

He leaves behind his parents, Greg and Isabella Hicks Cole; his brother Justin "Quinn" Cole; his grandparents, Jewell Cole of Lexington and Lenore Cole of Owenton.  A host of extended family, friends, and teammates also survive.

McDonald & New Funeral Homes are in charge of arrangements.  A memorial gathering will be held at the Owen County High School on Friday, February 15, 2019, from 5-8pm and on Saturday, February 16 the from 10 am until 4 pm.  Life Celebration Service will follow at 4 pm.  Wyatt's family asks, that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Wyatt Cole Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Citizens Union Bank, PO Box 188, Owenton, KY 40359.