Joe Cole

Joe Robert Cole, 87, of Brenham, peacefully passed away at his residence on May 5th. Joe was born in Lufkin, attended Brenham High School, Kemper Military Academy, Blinn College, and Texas A&M University. In 1940, Joe married the love of his life, Rosemary DeWare. Serving in the Marine Corps in the Asiatic-Pacific Arena during WWII, Joe qualified as a Rifle Sharpshooter in 1942, engaged in battle during the historic amphibious landings at Tarawa in 1943, and Saipan and Tinian in 1944. Serving in advance communications, Joe was often the target of sniper fire. Upon completion of his tour of duty in 1945, he returned to Brenham to meet his two-year old son Mike for the first time. Joe was employed by the Sun Oil Company until his retirement in 1984, a lifelong member of St. Peter s Episcopal Church, a Little League Baseball coach, a founder of the Men s Golf Association at the Brenham Country Club, an avid fisherman, golfer, sports enthusiast, and an Aggie football fan. He was preceded in death by his parents John F. Cole and May Moore Cole at an early age. At age seven, Joe arrived in Brenham to be raised by his uncle and aunt, Henry C. and Lottie Moore England, also preceding him; as well as his sister Ruth England Rennels, sister-in-law Helen Guy England, brother Gayle Whiddon and wife Virginia, brother-in-law Charles DeWare and wife Joan, and Joe s beloved wife of 60 years, Rosemary DeWare Cole. Surviving are his sons Mike Cole and wife Cathy, Pat Cole and wife Judi; his grandchildren Matthew Carter, Amanda Carter McVean and husband Jeff, Jessica Cole, Jamie Ward and wife Kendra , Adrianna Scharnakau and husband Mike, Lindsey Cole, Travis Cole, and Dylan Cole; his great-grandchildren Averi Trevino, Maya Carter, and Carter McVean; his sister Milly Ann Schaer and husband Bo; his brothers Buddy England, Henry Cole and wife Sandy, John Cole and wife Virginia, Dick Cole and wife BeBe; his brother-in-law Clark Rennels, many devoted nieces and nephews, Goddaughter Alexandra Wilson, loyal friends, and caring neighbors. To honor the earthly life of this gallant gentleman and to celebrate his passage home, a memorial service will be held in the St. Peter s Episcopal Church, 2310 Airline Drive in Brenham, at 11: 00 a.m., on Thursday, May 11, 2006. Memorials may be given to St. Peter s Episcopal Church, Brenham Christian Academy, Hospice of Brenham, or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel.