Donald Ernest Cole

1926 ∼ 2017

Donald E. Cole
Donald E. Cole, 91, passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, April 29, 2017, in Bridge City. Donald was born April 29, 1926, in Marion, Iowa to Ernest and Violet Cole.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at St. Henry Catholic Church in Bridge City. Officiating will be Reverend Steve Leger. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City.

He was a veteran of WWII. He was a self-employed Master Plumber for over 25 years. Donald became Orange County Commissioner in 1985 where he served three terms. Donald also served six years on the City Council for Bridge City. He was a member of Bridge City Chamber of Commerce and Bridge City Rotary. He was the organizer of the construction of the BC/Orangefield Community Center and also served on the committee that was instrumental in the incorporation of the City of Bridge City. He was also named Citizen of the Year. He was also a member of St. Henry Catholic Church and member of the Knights of Columbus Counsel #3406.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Gene Cole, Vern Cole, Benny Cole, and Vivian Blanchard; and his son, Donald Wayne Cole.

Donald is survived by his loving wife, Alice of 69 years; his daughters, MaryAlice Hartsfield and Angela Hebert; his son, Michael and his wife, Judy; his daughter-in-law, Diana Cole; his grandchildren, Clint Hartsfield, Kristi Bourque, Lori Runnels, Jonathan Cole, Candice Jenkins, Melissa Lambert, Katina Schrieber, Misty Fredeck, and Cody Hollis; he is also survived by 20 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild; and he is survived by his siblings, Ernie, James and David Cole, and Evelyn, Hosey and Betty Noble.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Clint Hartsfield, Jonathan Cole, Chad Bourque, Jason Runnels, Cody Hollis, Nate Jenkins, and James Lambert. Honorary pallbearer will be Owen Dailey.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Southeast Texas Hospice.

Condolences

Linda Cook May 2, 2017
Alice, I remember that your dad was such a joy to be around when we hung out in high school. He always made me laugh. He had a nickname for people that either described them or their actions. I know that you will always remember his playful spirit. God Bless the Cole family during his parting of this earth, but I believe that we will see him again in the next life. Linda Cook
Dorothy Abney May 2, 2017
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family. Dorothy,Jared and Cody Abney
The Roger King Family (Roger, Allen, Lori, & Paula) May 1, 2017
The Roger King Family (Roger, Allen, Lori, & Paula) purchased the Garden of Serenity Bouquet for the family of Donald Ernest Cole.
The Bourque Family May 1, 2017
The Bourque Family purchased the Strength & Solace Spray for the family of Donald Ernest Cole.
Mary Morgan May 1, 2017
Alice, and all the Cole family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was one very special gentleman. He lived his life well and was a Christian example to us all. I always enjoyed being in his presence throughout the years. What a beautiful legacy he's left in his family. God's peace to you all, Mary Chaney Morgan
Hd /Pat Pate April 30, 2017
Pass Christian will never be same! H.D.
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Services & Events

event Visitation

location_on Claybar Funeral Home - Bridge City, 800 Highland Drive, Bridge City, 77611
directions Get Directions
schedule Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

event Prayer Service

location_on Claybar Funeral Home - Bridge City, 800 Highland Drive, Bridge City, 77611
directions Get Directions
schedule Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 7:00 PM

event Funeral Service

location_on St. Henry Catholic Church, Bridge City
directions Get Directions
schedule Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at 10:00 AM

event Burial

location_on Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, 4560 Texas 87, Orange, 77630
directions Get Directions
schedule Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at 11:30 AM