Kenneth Ray Cole

Kenneth Ray “Red’ Cole of Garland, Texas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 with family by his side at Christian Care Nursing and Rehab in Mesquite. He was born April 27, 1934 in North Zulch, Texas to Jake Raymond Cole and Lilla Morgan Cole.

He graduated from Madisonville High School in 1953 and attended Sam Houston State University. He was a basketball player in high school and advanced to state play-offs. He loved boating, water sports, playing forty-two and being with his family.

Mr. Cole was a photoengraver for over 40 years and an original partner of Engravers, Inc.

He was a member of Shiloh Terrace Baptist Church since 1960.

He is preceded in death by his parents Jake and Lilla Cole; brothers Manuel Cole, Leon “Coon” Cole, and John Floyd “Possum’ Cole; sisters Mavis Cole Boswell and Nelva Cole Pratt; and daughter-in-law, Joyce Lyon Cole

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Barbara; his daughter Karen Cole Brecheen and her husband Dan; son Bradley Forrest Cole and four grandchildren Adam Brecheen and wife Chrissy, Jason Brecheen, Jake Cole and wife Jessica, Amanda Cole Chamberlain and husband Travis; and 10 great-grandchildren Landon, William and Chloe Brecheen; Drew Thompson; Reagan, Bennett and Peyton Cole; Grayson, Aidan Ray, and Ethan Chamberlain. He is also survived by sister Gracie Sanders of Frankston, Texas and a number of nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 11:00am, Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Sand Prairie Baptist Church with interment in George Cemetery at Normangee, Texas. (George community). Pastor Larry Andrews is officiating. Pall bearers are Jason Brecheen, Adam Brecheen, Jake Cole, Travis Chamberlain, David Cole and John Cole.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all the Christian Care Nursing and Hospice caregivers who have been such a blessing and SO much support during this difficult time.

Arrangements are with Cozart Funeral Home in Normangee.