Thomas “Tom” Luther Cole passed away on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016, at Fernandine Beach, Fla. He was born in Elma, Wash., on June 19, 1938. Tom was reared in McCleary, Wash., by loving parents Elmer Luther and Vesta Ann (Graves) Cole.

After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. and later employed by the Port Blakely and Rayonier Timber Companies.

Tom loved the Lord, serving him and singing in the choir. He was a member of the United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Marine Corp. League and the Masonic Lodge. Family camping and coaching his daughters’ softball games brought him great pleasure, along with hunting and fishing, gardening and sharing its crops was also a favorite pastime.

His wife of 47 years, Zuba Hodges, passed in August of 2015. He is also preceded in death by a brother James “Jim” F. Cole (along with his wife Frieda) and an infant sister, Martha Ann Cole. Remaining are three daughters, Kelly K. Stipp (Chris) of Harrison, Ark. and Donna Ennis and Tonya Cole, both of Fernandine Beach, Fla.; a sister, Mary Sue (Doug) Samples of Olympia, Wash.; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild and six nieces and nephews.

I miss my brothers and know they are at rest with God, our Heavenly Father.