Eldon Cole Memorial Fund

For 58 years — a truly remarkable milestone — Eldon Cole put the very best ideals of University of Missouri Extension and engagement into daily practice. Through his deep knowledge of the industry and his ability to communicate and listen to his agriculture clients, he became one of the most well-regarded livestock specialists in the state. His one-of-a-kind expertise grew out his extensive research and study, lived experience and generous openness to others. As the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association shared in its tribute, his title may have been livestock specialist, “but those who knew him best would say he was a people specialist who worked hard to engage and empower others.”

In honor of Eldon’s legacy, a new state-of-the-art livestock handling facility under construction at the Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center (SW-REEC) in Mount Vernon has been officially named the Eldon Cole MU Livestock Facility.

Contributions to the Eldon Cole Memorial Fund will go toward the endowment to sustain operations and provide MU Extension programming in his namesake facility.