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Home Obituaries Herbert W. Cole
Sunday, 05 February 2012 13:10

Herbert W. Cole

Herbert W. Cole

Service Information

Services10:30 AM, Friday, February 10, 2012 at Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 3475 Kimball Ave, Waterloo
Visitation4:00 to 7:00 pm Thursday at Locke Funeral Home and an hour before services at the church
CemeteryMemorial Park Cemetery Waterloo, Iowa
MemorialsCentral Christian Church or Cedar Valley Hospice Home

Biography Information

Herbert W. "Wes" Cole, 96, of Waterloo, Iowa, died at Cedar Valley Hospice Home on Sunday, February 5, 2012 of natural causes.

Herbert Wesley Cole was born September 16, 1915 in Whittington, Illinois, the son of Edward and Emma Briley Cole.

Wes married Thelma Seaman on July 8, 1951 in Valparaiso, Indiana. She died June 23, 1990.

He graduated from Benton Township High School, Benton, Illinois, in 1934.

Wes worked as an Executive Vice President for Headford Brothers & Hitchens Foundry from 1957‑75 and then at National Bank of Waterloo for 10 years, retiring in 1986.

He was an officer in the United States Navy for twenty-two years during WWII and the Korean War, receiving an Honorable Discharge on June 1, 1957 as a Lieutenant Commander. He earned the Purple Heart and the European-African-Middle East Campaign, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, Korean Service, and Navy Occupation Service medals.

Wes was a member of Waterloo Elks Lodge, life member of the Military Officers Association of America, and a member of the United States LST Association and the USS Arizona Reunion Association.

He is survived by his daughters: Carolyn (Kevin Evans) Cole of Waterloo and Karen Lesa (Rux) Currin of Wilmette, Illinois, and his grandson William Currin of Wilmette.

Wes is preceded in death by his wife; five brothers: Ray, Ernest, Robert, Harry, and Paul in infancy; and sister Pansy.

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Condolences (11)

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I would like to send my sincerest sympathy to the family of Wes Cole. Wes and his family were next door neighbors and very close friends to my family while we were growing up on South Hill Drive in Waterloo. Through all of these years, Wes remained very close friends with my parents. Wes lived an incredible life and will be greatly missed.

Sincerely,
Mike Mack
Mike Mack, Jr. and family , February 06, 2012
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We've had the honor to know Wes and his dogs for too many years to count and it's been an honor to know this great guy and patriot. All of us are going to miss him. Our condolences Chuck and Pam Klima and all the crew at Klima Small Animal Clinic
Pam and Chuck Klima , February 07, 2012
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Carolyn/Kevin I was very saddened to hear about your father. It is quite easy to say I know how you feel. The best thing is remembering all the fond fond memories that we have stored in us forever. It has been neat comparing stories the last few years. I will be at Van's this week but will be thinking of you.
glenn & lynae stech , February 07, 2012
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Carolyn & Kevin, Deepest sympathy in the loss of your father Carolyn. The Oakridge family has heard many wonderful stories about your father and read in awe of the many accomplishments he achieved while in the military. We can only imagine how proud you must be of him and know that your father must have been equally as proud of you. Many Blessings to you and your family as you go through these difficult days. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Oakridge Realtors , February 07, 2012
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Carolyn and Karen Lesa
Your father has been a wonderful example of husband, father, friend and patriot for all our families. Larry and I have never been so proud as to stand with Uncle Herbie during the 60th anniversary of the Arizona Survivors reunion in Hawaii in 2001. He has been an inspiration for all of us. And it is hard to lose him.
M.F. (Cole) and Larry Block
Mary Frances and Larry Block , February 07, 2012
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thinking of you and remembering such nice memories of one of the nicest men I ever met...or golfed with..so glad you had him so many years in your lives..
with sincere sympathy...Elcina
Elcina , February 08, 2012
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My sincerest condolences to you on your father's passing - a great loss to all who knew him. In my mind he was always the epitome of neighborliness. What great memories he created for all of us, i.e. frozen ponds in the backyard, inner tubing on the grass and South Hill block parties. I will be sure to keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol Mack Manzel , February 08, 2012
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Karen and Carolyn and Families:
I am very sorry to hear about your Dad's death. You were close to him and will miss him deeply. He was always nice to me. My sincere sympathy goes to you all. He has two amazing daughters!
Lu Ann White , February 09, 2012
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I want send our condolences to Carolyn and Lesa... and their families on the passing of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are you. He was a very kind father, gentleman, neighbor and patriot. That twinkle in his eye; his infectious laugh brings joy to my heart even now. On Saturdays as a kid, one could always find "Wes" working in his garage he had all kinds of gadgets. He was kind of our own Mr. Science. AND what energy he had. I remember him shooting set shots at the basketball hoop on our driveway, building an ice rink in his back yard. Always working in the yard and manicuring his trees. He had an apple tree he was particularly fond of that produced five or more different varieties of apples. He was quite a man and great friend to three generations of McConvilles.

With Deepest Sympathy,
Marty McConville
Marty McConville and family , February 09, 2012
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Carloyn & Karen Lesa,
Sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. Wes was a great neighbor for over 50 years! Hard to believe that Dad & Wes passed on less than a year from one another. Thankful that we enjoyed so many years. God bless.
Paula Koch Todd , February 16, 2012
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Carolyn, Lesa and Family,
I want to let you know that my thoughts have been very much with you and your Dad over these last few months. Having spent so many hours of my childhood at your house or you at ours, your family holds a very special place in my heart. Wes was such an incredible role model throughout his entire life and continued to do so with such grace as he faced his "going to the other side". I consider it such a gift to have been able to visit with him one last time just a few weeks before his death. I wish you peace in the midst of your great loss.
Michele Mack Haefele , February 16, 2012

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