Thomas Cole

Thomas Joseph Cole, age 94, of Kewadin, died Thursday, April 26, 2012 at Traverse Manor Assisted Living. Tom was born on February 18, 1918, in Saint Johnsbury, Vermont to Thomas and Elizabeth (Aylin) Cole.

Tom grew up and attended school in highland Park, Michigan. On March 23, 1940, he married his grade school sweetheart, Dorothy Duncan MacKenzie in Highland Park at the Presbyterian Church. He retired from Ford Motor Company as a Designer for Ford Truck Chassis, retiring in 1976 after 39 years of service.

After retirement from Ford Motor Company, they moved to Elk Rapids. They became members of First Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder. Tom helped Dorothy with Elk Rapids Community Kitchen Cupboard. Tom was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Elk Rapids Golf Club.

Tom enjoyed driving his car, camping, fishing, snowmobiling, and dogs.

Tom is survived by his children: Peggy (Ray) Graham, Thomas (Barbara) Cole, and Katherine (John T.) Moore; grandchildren: Brett (Erin) Graham, Megan Zell, Thomas (Megan) Cole, Leah Cole, Karrie (Joe) Kline, Kammie (Jay) Reis, and Jon (Shana) Moore; great grandchildren: Cole and Abby Graham, Madigan Zell, Dana, Lauren, and Sander Cole, Alex, Andrew, and Grace Kline, Maxwell and Griffin Reis, Landen, Cooper, and Cora Moore; and many nieces and nephews.

His wife of 67 years and his sisters, Rachel Warren and Lucy Archie, preceded Tom in death.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 4, 2012 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Elk Rapids Chapel of Covell Funeral Homes and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church Elk Rapids, with The Rev. Dr. Andrew Martinez officiating. Burial will take place in Maple Grove Cemetery, Elk Rapids. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Rd., Traverse City, MI 49686.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Elk Rapids.