Lester Earl Cole

Lester Earl Cole, age 88, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully in Union Hospital at Dover, Monday afternoon, March 5, 2007. Born at Uhrichsville August 5, 1918, Les was a son of the late William and Ethel Davis Cole. The family moved to Dover while Les was a little boy, and he graduated high school from there in 1936. Les was proud of his service in the United States Navy between 1944 and 1946. He attained the rank of Yeoman Â? Second Class. After the war, he returned to the area, and began a twenty-one year career with Marlite. Later he would work at the former Ladrick’s Paint Shop, and with the local Pepsi Cola distributor. On February 11, 1945, Lester married the former Doris M. Bigler in Emmanuel Lutheran Church at New Philadelphia. Their union of sixty-years meant a great deal to both Lester and Doris, prior to her death in January, 2006. Active in the community, Lester was past-commander of the former American Legion Post # 139 at New Philadelphia. He served as public relations director for the legion’s local district and was a member of the color guard at many local activities over the years. Mr. and Mrs. Cole were faithful members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church at New Philadelphia, where Lester was a past member of the Church Council, and taught several Sunday School Classes through the years. Less will be remembered by his family as a devoted, caring man. Among his favorite past-times include spending time at Tuscora Park, and playing rounds of miniature golf. His family includes a brother-in-law, Robert Bigler of Dover, and a sister-in-law, Edith Bigler of New Philadelphia as well as a number of precious nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Mr. Cole’s life will be celebrated Thursday morning, March 8, 2007, at 10:30 AM in the Chapel of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia with Pastor Jim Lewis officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the start of the service. Burial, with military honors by the American Legion will follow in East Avenue Cemetery where Lester will be laid to rest alongside his beloved Doris. To share memories and condolences with the family, please visit the funeral home’s website. Contributions in memory of Mr. Cole may be made to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 202 East High Avenue, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.