Kenneth R Cole Sr *
Kenneth R. Cole, Sr., (Raymond to many who knew him) passed away March 8, 2019 in Sumter, SC following a sudden illness. He was born October 10, 1924 to George Wayne & Catherine Lucille Cole in Springfield, IL. Kenneth married Mary A Atteberry, September 20, 1946 in Springfield, IL.
Kenneth worked at Weaver Manufacturing in Springfield for 31 years. Kenneth worked for the US Postal Service in Springfield until 1977 when he transferred to the Pocatello, ID post office. He retired from the US Postal Service in 1989.
Kenneth joined the US Army on March 23, 1943 with Company B, 81st Engineers Combat Battalion. Kenneth was a POW during WWII. Kenneth earned American Theater Campaign Medal, EAME Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal and Purple Heart Medal.
One of Kenneth’s biggest enjoyments was to participate in the Illinois Honor Flight program. In September of 2012 he was accompanied by his son, Kenneth Jr., to Washington DC where he visited the WWII memorial, other military memorials and the Air & Space Museum.
Kenneth was a scoutmaster and saw 2 of his sons advance to the rank of Eagle Scout. Kenneth was also with the Springfield Lake Patrol in the mid to late 1950‘s.
Kenneth’s favorite enjoyment was golfing with his children, grandchildren, nephews, cousins and many golfing partners. He also enjoyed bowling, playing cards, baseball games and going to bingo. He was a devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus for over 40 years. He was named an Exemplification Honoree in 2017.
Kenneth is survived by his children Kenneth R. Cole Jr, (Rebecca), Springfield, IL, Susan Davis Cole, Pocatello, ID, Christine M. Hunt, Sumter, SC, Mary Taysom (Terry), William R. Cole, and Joseph M. Cole, (Mary) all of Pocatello, ID. He is also survived by his sister, Delores Marie Hamende, Springfield, IL, William Atteberry Sr, Florida (brother-in-law)Russ Chandler, Lewiston, ID (son in law), RoseAnn Cole, Springfield, IL, (daughter in law) and Dan Garrett, Wisconsin, (son in law). He is survived by 23 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary A, daughter Rebecca Chandler, son Candlish Cole, James Hunt, (son in law) brothers Richard “Glenn”, Rial “Pete” and Elmer “Dick”, sisters Louise Cleaver, Betty Carnduff and JoAnn Williams.
He was a longtime member of St Joseph’s Parish.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 from 6 to 8 PM with a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM at Downard Funeral Home, 241 North Garfield Ave, Pocatello. The Mass of a Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 20th at 10:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Community, St. Joseph’s Chapel at 421 North Hayes Ave, Pocatello. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Idaho Food Bank, 555 S 1st Ave, Pocatello, ID 83201 and Bishop Gorman Assembly- 4th Degree Knights of Columbus in Ken’s name, or to the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, 57 Country Place, Springfield, IL 62703.
An additional Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, March 17th, 1:30 – 4:00PM at Knight of Columbus Hall, 2200 S Meadowbrook Road, Springfield, IL 62704. Inurnment will be held June 15, 2019 at Mountain View Cemetery in Pocatello, Idaho.