Herb was born the son of Melvin and Ida (Brabb) Cole on November 19, 1927, in Flint, Michigan. He graduated from Flushing High School (1945) and joined the Army where he served on the ski patrol in Leadville, Colorado. Herb married his high school sweetheart, Lucille Wander, on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 1946; they enjoyed 76 years of marriage, raising their two children in Flushing. Herb worked construction and helped provide the gravel for laying I-75 before going to General Motors Fisher Body where he retired as a quality inspector after 30 years. In retirement, Herb and Lucille moved to Gladwin for six years before moving to Jensen Beach, Florida where they enjoyed over 20 years making new friends and hosting family.
Herb was a quiet man whose warmth, kindness, and gift for storytelling touched countless others. He had a special ability to draw people in with his tales — whether gathered around a kitchen table, at a family get-together, or among friends at a local restaurant. His stories, rich with humor and heart, left everyone laughing until their sides ached and wiping tears of joy from their eyes. Herb didn’t just tell stories; he brought them to life, making ordinary moments unforgettable and reminding us all of the joy in shared laughter.
Among Herb’s greatest joys was sharing life’s simple pleasures such as Lucille’s delicious meals with friends, cherished visits with his great grandchildren, a Sunday afternoon drive in nearby towns to look at the fall colors . . .blue boat rides on the Tittabawassee River with his grandchildren. Herb was a true patriot who loved his country. He kept up-to-date with business and current events. A Klondike bar, a homemade chocolate chip cookie, or watching “Everybody Loves Raymond” always made Herb smile.
A devoted husband to the love of his life, Lucille, loving father to Rick (Judy) Cole and Kay Cole (Kevin Brown), proud grandfather to Chris (Vicki) and Lindsay Cole (Jay Sabatini) and great-grandchildren Nathan and Maisie, and loyal friend to so many, Herb lived his life with quiet integrity and gratitude. Herb was predeceased by his wife, parents, and his sister Nancy Wiegand.
A graveside service with military honors will be held in late Spring at Flushing Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to help veterans be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation http://www.garysinisefoundation.org
Herb’s stories may have ended but the love and laughter he inspired live on.
