Father Edwin Joseph Cole

Father Edwin Joseph Cole, age 71, of Laurie, MO, passed away Sunday evening, December 13, 2009, at his home. He was born February 21, 1938, in Arlington, Washington, the son of Arthur and Genevieve Cole. He entered the Immaculate Conception Seminary and School of Theology in Conception, Missouri, in September of 1953, where he completed his high school studies, as well as degrees in philosophy and theology. Father Cole professed his vows in 1959, and was ordained to the priesthood in the Order of St. Benedictine on May 22, 1964. Two days later, with his family present, Father Cole celebrated his first Holy Mass at St. Mary’s Church in Nevada, Missouri. Father Cole’s first assignment was to a monastic foundation in Copenhagen, Denmark. Upon his return, he completed more studies, acquiring a MA degree in speech communication from the University of Kansas. He also became fluent in Spanish. During his time at the University, Father Cole was assigned to various parishes where he was also active as a musician. After graduation, he taught at the seminary until it closed its doors in 1972. At that point, Father Cole was assigned to St. Pius X Abbey in Pevely, Missouri, where his first assignment was choir director and organist for the small independent Abbey. In 1977, Father Cole was elected as Abbot and served in the capacity for 12 years which included a 1983 move to Our Lady of Lourdes in Columbia. After joining the Diocese of Jefferson City, he served in various communities, including the Priory, then as a hospital Chaplain in St. Charles, Missouri. He returned to Columbia to establish a hospital chaplaincy program. He also became a pastor for the Sacred Heart Parish where he served for 10 years. His final assignment was the Shrine of St. Patrick in Laurie, Missouri. Throughout his career, Father Cole made many long-lasting friendships and shared his love of music wherever he was assigned. Father Cole would entertain friends and family with both the accordion and piano. In addition, he performed with the University of Missouri Kansas City Accordion Orchestra. The highlight of Father Cole’s 40th anniversary of ordination into the priesthood included an accordion concert at the Missouri Theatre. He also sang with the Sacred Heart Choir regularly, and at a concert in Carnegie Hall in New York City. Father Cole is survived by his sisters, Mary Dultmeier and husband Leon of Topeka, KS, Theresa O’Bier of Felton, DE, Loretta Kaminski of Laurie, MO, Cathy Gregory and husband Frank of Dover, DE, and Frances Moran and husband Robert of Columbia, MO; his brothers, Dr. Larry Cole and wife Shelvie of Conway, AR and Richard Cole and wife Nancy of Columbia, MO; and his sister-in-law, Venita Cole of Stockton, KS. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Charles L. Cole. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 17, at the Shrine of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Laurie, MO. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 16, at the church with a rosary held at 7:30 p.m. A second Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 18, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Jefferson City, MO. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Friday, at the church. Interment will be held at 2:30 p.m., Friday, December 18, at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Columbia, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Father Edwin J. Cole Scholarship Fund for a music student at the University of Missouri. The mailing address for contributions is, Columbia Credit Union, 310 East Walnut, Columbia, Missouri 65201. Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.kidwellgarber.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.

Father Edwin Joseph Cole

December 13, 2009

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Father Edwin Joseph Cole

December 13, 2009

About Us

What We Do

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