Cole Stephen VanEpps
September 24, 1996 ~ March 6, 2025
Cole Stephen VanEpps, 28, beloved son, brother, and friend, died Thursday, March 6, 2025. The world lost a light in the dark that day.
Survived by his parents, Karen and Jason VanEpps; sisters, Caitlin Shea and Cydney; grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Cole’s passion in life was to help others see the value and magic they never knew they were capable of. His smile brought smiles to others, and he worked tirelessly to lift others up. He was working towards becoming a therapist, so he could help people the way others helped him. Cole never met a stranger. He could make the most antisocial person talk for hours, exchange numbers, and then meet for dinner next week. He loved his family, his friends and his dogs. He enjoyed hiking in the mountains, walking his dog, playing games of all types, especially when he could slip in a made-up rule. Cole had a way of making everybody laugh, be it with a story or his ornery pranks. He also got a few chuckles or crazy looks with his dance moves and his singing ability, but that never stopped him; if anything, it just made him do it more. You could talk to Cole for hours or sit in silence. Everything he touched truly turned to gold and every life forever changed from knowing him.
Vigil and reflections will be at 7:00 pm on Thursday, March 13, 2025; Funeral Service will be at 10:30 am on Friday, March 14, 2025, both will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Andover.
Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 15, 2025, upstairs at Chicken N Pickle off Greenwich Rd in Wichita. Appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided.
In honor of Cole, memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas Humane Society, 3313 North Hillside, Wichita KS 67219.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
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I am very sad reading about Cole’s passing and I cannot imagine how much his family is hurting. My name is Tyler Rudisill, I grew up with Cole playing baseball with him on the Andover Titans in middle school and then we both went to Andover High and played football together. Last time I spoke with Cole was when he worked at the Andover YMCA in 2021 where we talked often. I remember him sharing with me his passion about mental health and his desire to dedicate his life to helping people who are struggling. Cole was always a friend to me even in high school when I was a grade below him. I will remember Cole as a friend who was always kind, supportive, and genuine. He had a way of making those around him feel seen and valued, no matter the situation
My name is Meg Dieter and I worked with Cole at Chicken N Pickle during his time in KC, at our HQ location. He was such an asset to our marketing team. Everyone loved working with Cole – the energy he brought to work every day was truly uplifting. As a remote employee, we didn’t see each other that often but he still managed to check on me and ask how I was. I remember replying, “Good, Cole. You know, mom life!” And he would say, “No, but really – how are you?” I would joke about the woes of never ending laundry and he would talk me through ways I could make more time for myself. I will never forget the way Cole SAW people.
We worked together to create social media content for Mental Health Month. He was so open about his personal struggles and so eager to share how he persevered. I was in awe of his journey. He shared tips on meditating and the importance of checking in with yourself. His eyes lit up when talking about his family and girlfriend.
Cole, you taught me so much in our limited time working together. I feel very lucky to have experienced your friendship in this lifetime. I pray you know what an impact you made on this world. Rest In Peace, friend.
Thank you Cole for teaching me so much about life, living and loving. I treasure our time and memories. We will meet again . Love you always.