Ethan Benjamin Dole

Ethan Benjamin Dole (September 8, 1990 to May 10th, 2026)

Ethan Benjamin Dole, 35, of Columbus, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on May 10, 2026. He was, by every measure, one of a kind, and the world is quieter and less colorful without him in it.
Ethan was witty and warm, sentimental and thoughtful. He had a rare gift for making people feel genuinely seen, and whether he had known you for twenty years or twenty minutes, he wanted to hear your story and know what you loved and why you loved it.

From the time he was a little boy collecting dog figurines that he’d carry around everywhere, Ethan never stopped finding things worth being passionate about. He competed in a barista championship, roasted his own coffee, played his Pork Pie drums, and shaved with a straight razor. He sought out Japanese selvedge denim and bespoke sterling silver jewelry because he believed in the craftsmanship and artistry of doing things the right way. He rode his bike, cooked, and walked his three dogs, Bubby, Lil’ Guy, and Sis, every chance he got. His pursuits were niche and unconventional, but that was exactly what made him so interesting to be around.

However behind the charm and his signature beard, Ethan carried a weight that most people never saw. He battled bipolar disorder and substance use disorder with a quiet, exhausting courage that his closest loved ones bore witness to over many years. Ultimately, despite the fierce love and support of his family and friends, he lost that fight. His family shares this openly, not to define him, but because his story is worth telling honestly, and because someone reading this might need to hear that it’s okay to ask for help. Ethan deserved more time and so does everyone else who is still fighting.

Ethan is survived by his parents, J. Craig and Lynn Dole; his sister, Olivia Dole (Kendel Enoch); his dogs, Bubby, Lil’ Guy, and Sis; and a loving circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Gordon and Phyllis Sanford; his paternal grandparents, Donald and Patricia Dole; his maternal uncle, Craig Sanford; his paternal uncle, Thomas Dole; and his cousin, Ashley Dole.

A Celebration of Ethan’s Life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Asbury United Methodist Church located at 1751 27th Street, Columbus, Indiana. Friends and family are invited to gather in the Fellowship Circle to share memories from 1:00–3:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Life service beginning at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to CARE – Columbus Animal Rescue Effort at care.rescuegroups.org. The best way to honor Ethan is the simplest: lean into your passions and celebrate what makes you weird, wonderful and “one of a kind”.