Charles Allen 'Al' Cole
July 27, 1923 -September 25, 2013
Al Cole, a resident of Pullman WA for more than 60 years passed away peacefully on September 25, at the age of 90.
Charles Allen Cole VII, 'Al' was born July 27, 1923 in Spokane WA, the eldest of three sons born to Charlie & Edna Cole. Al proudly served his country first in WWII, then as an Air Force reservist, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He then completed his studies at WSU to become a civil engineer. In 1945 he married his childhood sweetheart Eleanor Kiser. Al and Eleanor lived happily in Pullman their entire married life and proudly raising three children.
Al was the 'C' in C & S Builders, which constructed and remodeled structures around Pullman and on the WSU campus. He also started the first Mini storage business in Pullman.
Al was extremely civic minded and served in many activities around the area; a few of them being Chamber of Commerce President in 1973, Pullman Community Council on Aging, and Lions Club past President where he served as head of many civic projects. Al was also on the United Way Board, Pullman Hospital Board and was an active board member of Simpson United Methodist Church for many years.
This past August Al was awarded the 'Distinguished Citizen' Award from the city of Pullman, and was a Grand Marshall in the Lentil Parade.
Al was preceded in death by his brothers Walt and Bob, and in 2000, by his beloved Eleanor. A bright light named Mary came into Al's life and they married in 2002. Al and Mary shared more than 11 happy years together.
Al is survived by his loving wife Mary, his three children: Charles Allen VIII "Allen" (wife Sharyn); Christie (husb Kim) and Craig (wife Linda). He is also survived by 6 grandchildren and their spouses, and 13 great grandchildren. Al is also survived by Mary's family who loved him like a father, grandfather and great grandfather.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A memorial service with Military Honors, celebrating Al's life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013 at 10 AM at Simpson United Methodist Church, 325 NE Maple St. in Pullman, WA. A reception for family and friends will follow the memorial service in the church's fellowship hall. A private family interment service will be held at the Pullman Cemetery. Kimball Funeral Home of Pullman, WA is caring for the family.
The family suggests donations be made to the Pullman Senior Center, 325 SE Paradise St., Pullman, WA 99163.