Jerry Lee Cole's Obituary
Jerry Lee Cole, 88, of Miami, Okla., passed away Sunday afternoon, September 1, 2019, at Grand Lake Villa in Grove, after a long illness. He was born June 27, 1931 in North Miami, Okla. to Lloyd E. Cole, Sr. and Prue (Sears) Cole. He was later raised by his paternal grandmother, Ella Mae Cole.
He attended North Miami Public Schools through 8th grade before going to Commerce Schools where he graduated High School with the Class of 1948. He was member of the Methodist Church in Commerce. He joined the U.S. Navy on January 15, 1951, serving for 3 years and 10 months, being discharged on November 15, 1954.
While serving his country in North Korea, he was aboard the Minesweeper U.S.S. Doyle where he served until entering Minesweeper Boat Division II. Upon being discharged, he attended college, graduating from Woodbury College in Los Angeles in1956.
Jerry was one to stay busy. He worked in the automobile sales management for 35 years. He is a past member of the Arcadia Mounted Police in Arcadia, CA, the Allen County Sheriff's Posse in Ft. Wayne, IN, and the Denton County Sheriff's Posse in Denton, TX. He is a lifetime member of the American Legion. He was also a member of Maumee Lodge #725, the accepted Freemasons (32nd Degree), and the Mizpah Shrine Horse Patrol of Ft. Wayne, IN.
He loved to give back to those in need. He rode in over 300 parades benefitting the Shriner's Hospital's mission to help crippled children. He rode in the first rodeo entry of the Pasadena Rose Bowl Parade alongside Ronald Reagan. He also rode in the 1988 Indy 500 parade. He was the past Service Office of the American Legion Post 147, assisting in conducting military rites for over 200 local veterans.
He loved to hunt and fish in his younger days. As he got older, he obtained his pilot's license, eventually owning two airplanes. He also enjoyed going to gun shows. However, his greatest love was raising horses, raising them for 43 years. His favorite horse was Red Joe Echols, which he owned for 29 ½ years, burying him on his ranch in Ft. Wayne, IN.
He is survived by one son, Steven Cole of California; one grandson, Steven Paul Cole of California; a granddaughter, Cherilyn of California; one daughter, Jan Calkin of California; and one brother, Lloyd E. Cole and wife Melissa of Stilwell, Okla.
In the words of Jerry, (quote) " The American Veteran is God's gift to us. Freedom is His gift to the world. God Bless America".
A graveside service will be held at 9:30 Saturday morning, September 7, 2019 at the G.A.R. Cemetery, Miami, OK. Chaplain Dave Tallé will officiate. Military rites will be conducted by the Grove Veterans Ritual Team, American Legion Post 178, Grove, OK.
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