Charles R. “Sam” Cole, 98, well known and respected resident of Cogan Station, formerly of Roaring Branch, PA was called home to his Savior on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at Valley View Nursing Home in Montoursville.
Charles Raymond was born on September 21, 1917 in Roaring Branch, a son of the late Arthur S. and Florence M. (Buzzerd) Cole.
He was a 1937 graduate of Canton High School.
In 1940, Charles began a 22-year military career by enlisting in the U.S. Air Corps. and received his training in aircraft maintenance. Mr. Cole served five tours overseas; Australia, New Guinea, the Philippines, Japan and Korea.
Charles Raymond was born on September 21, 1917 in Roaring Branch, a son of the late Arthur S. and Florence M. (Buzzerd) Cole.
He was a 1937 graduate of Canton High School.
In 1940, Charles began a 22-year military career by enlisting in the U.S. Air Corps. and received his training in aircraft maintenance. Mr. Cole served five tours overseas; Australia, New Guinea, the Philippines, Japan and Korea.
He received the Bronze Star Medal. He also was honored by being assigned crew chief, flight engineer and top turret gunner on “Miss Em” the personal B-17 plane of Lt. General Robert L. Eichelberger, the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. 8th Army during the Philippine Campaign; Charles was the last living crew member. He received his private pilot’s license and owned three different airplanes, enjoying many hours of personal flying.
After retirement, Charles attended Williamsport Community College and received his electrical wiring license.
He married his first wife, Clara D. (Jackson) Thompson Cole on June 26, 1971 in Ogdensburg. They shared 32 years together and raised a son before her passing in 2003.
Charles was employed as a Penn Dot Foreman. He was a former caretaker for the Green Home in Wellsboro and he wired several area homes and barns. Charles restored a 1952 Ford before donating it to the Hershey Automobile Museum.
He also raised beef cattle, specialized in chicken capons and raised a good vegetable garden.
Charles enjoyed many fishing trips to Canada with his family. On August 18, 2008, he married Alice J. (Koskey) Horn Cole in Warrensville.
Charles was a long-time active member of the Roaring Branch United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee, Sunday school teacher and other church offices. He also enjoyed the Ogdensburg Grange No. 293 serving as Master and Secretary/Treasurer, Union Township’s Historical Society and was a trustee of Roaring Branch’s Griffin Cemetery Association.
He is survived by his wife Alice; daughter-in-law, Lori Cole, Roaring Branch; six grandchildren and six great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many close friends.
He was predeceased by his son, Raymond A.W. Cole and sister, Harriett Vi (Cole) Hatley.
The funeral service was held Monday, Nov. 16, at Pepper Funeral Home, Canton. with Pastor Ann Overmiller officiating.
Burial followed in Griffin Cemetery with full military honors accorded.
It was Charles’ request that those who wish direct memorials to the Roaring Branch United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 66, Ralston, PA 17763.
Share condolences at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com
After retirement, Charles attended Williamsport Community College and received his electrical wiring license.
He married his first wife, Clara D. (Jackson) Thompson Cole on June 26, 1971 in Ogdensburg. They shared 32 years together and raised a son before her passing in 2003.
Charles was employed as a Penn Dot Foreman. He was a former caretaker for the Green Home in Wellsboro and he wired several area homes and barns. Charles restored a 1952 Ford before donating it to the Hershey Automobile Museum.
He also raised beef cattle, specialized in chicken capons and raised a good vegetable garden.
Charles enjoyed many fishing trips to Canada with his family. On August 18, 2008, he married Alice J. (Koskey) Horn Cole in Warrensville.
Charles was a long-time active member of the Roaring Branch United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee, Sunday school teacher and other church offices. He also enjoyed the Ogdensburg Grange No. 293 serving as Master and Secretary/Treasurer, Union Township’s Historical Society and was a trustee of Roaring Branch’s Griffin Cemetery Association.
He is survived by his wife Alice; daughter-in-law, Lori Cole, Roaring Branch; six grandchildren and six great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many close friends.
He was predeceased by his son, Raymond A.W. Cole and sister, Harriett Vi (Cole) Hatley.
The funeral service was held Monday, Nov. 16, at Pepper Funeral Home, Canton. with Pastor Ann Overmiller officiating.
Burial followed in Griffin Cemetery with full military honors accorded.
It was Charles’ request that those who wish direct memorials to the Roaring Branch United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 66, Ralston, PA 17763.
Share condolences at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com
