Coleman Drew Risinger

Coleman Drew Risinger, known simply as Cole to all who knew and loved him, found eternal rest on September 1, 2026. Born September 26, 1997, to Drew and Nancy Risinger in Waco, Texas, Cole grew up in China Spring and was a 2016 graduate of China Spring High School. A memorial service for friends and family will be held on Saturday, September 12, at First Baptist Grapevine.

To say Cole loved nature would be an understatement. He loved hunting camp with the guys, helping out on the family farms, hiking in Colorado and pretty much any activity he could do outdoors. Ultimately, though, Cole was drawn to the water. He became a confident swimmer at the age of three and loved to snorkel on family trips, notoriously going way too far out! He especially enjoyed fishing and once he discovered the joy of the catch, there was no turning back.

What captured his heart from an early age, turned into a lifelong passion and career. In the summer of 2019, Cole attended an Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing guide school in Almont, Colorado. He brought that knowledge back to Texas where he started guiding trips on the Brazos River, proving everyone wrong who said fishing could never be a profession. In 2022, Cole took a position at Orvis in Fort Worth as a retail associate. Through his knowledge, dedication, and hard work, he earned a promotion to Fishing Manager at the Orvis Dallas location in 2025. He was a respected member of the DFW fly-fishing community, serving as an instructor, guide, and gear expert. He also worked with non-profit groups Patriot Anglers, Reel Recovery and Casting for Recovery cancer survivor retreats, and the Stewards of the Wild conservation program. He had a natural gift for reading the water, but it was his patience, humility, and willingness to share what he knew that made him a trusted guide and friend to so many.

From freshwater to saltwater, Cole fly fished countless bodies of water across Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, and Florida. On the water and in these moments, Cole was always at peace. Although he loved traveling and discovering new fishing spots, his heart always brought him back to the Brazos River. There he was able to retreat to his favorite stretch along the river, and he found great joy in introducing others to his home turf.

Cole truly embodied the saying, "still waters run deep." Quiet by nature, he chose his words carefully and never hesitated to speak up for others when it mattered. He took things literally, processed things deeply, and was passionate about his pursuits. He was a unique blend of laid back and hard work, and he approached life’s challenges with perseverance and courage. When Cole cared about something, he gave it his all. Whether practicing three-point shots on the basketball court or casting a fly rod across the river, he persistently (sometimes obsessively) pursued his passions. Long after others were ready to call it a day, Cole always wanted "just one more." Just one more cast. Just one more shot. Just one more stop along the way. His joy was in the pursuit, not just the result.

In 2019, while attending Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Cole found the love of his life, Emily Beam. Together they became a perfect balance and bonded over their shared love of Red Raider football and basketball. The happiest day of his life was when they married on October 9, 2025. Of all the roles Cole held in his life, none meant more to him than being Emily's husband. She had a way of bringing out the very best in him, and for all who saw them together, it was evident that their love was one of a kind. Undisputably, Cole’s two greatest passions in this world were the love he built with his wife Emily and experiencing God’s creation through the pull of a fly line in a calm riverbed.

Above all, Cole loved his family and valued his lifelong friendships. He was true to himself and wanted nothing more than to make others happy. He was many things to many people and has left us all with treasured memories.

Cole was a beloved husband, son, brother, grandson, cousin, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Emily, and their Goldendoodle, Rosie; his parents, Drew and Nancy Risinger; his sister, Claire; his grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Donald Risinger and Mrs. Jeanie Killough; and many other in-laws, relatives, and friends who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Glynn Killough, and his cousin, Josh Risinger.

In honor of Cole, donations can be made to Patriot Anglers at https://north-texas-patriot-anglers.snwbll.com/patriot-anglers-2024, another fly-fishing organization he supported, or the charity of your choice.