Thomas E. Cole, 80, of Kouts passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2025. He was born July 8, 1944, in Catlettsburg, KY to Arnold & Clara (nee Roberts) Cole, graduated from Catlettsburg High School and served proudly with the U.S. Navy. Tom enjoyed exhibiting his accomplished woodworking skills, crafting numerous projects for family and friends. His scrollwork was a point of particular emphasis. As a licensed pilot, Tom was a regular flyer at the Porter County Airport, with flights seemingly on a whim to visit friends or just an excuse to have lunch in another state.
On June 6, 1963, in Catlettsburg he married Cora J. Cole who preceded him in death in 2014. Survivors include their sons: Shayne (Pamela) Cole of Kouts & Thomas E. (Lisa) Cole of Valparaiso, sister, Barbara (David) Smith, brother, Joe Cole, grandchildren: Cassandra, Maximus, Shyanne, Trent & Chase, and his partner in adventure these last several years, Joanne Patterson. He was also preceded in death by his parents, brother, Arnold Cole, Jr. & sister, Kathleen Stone.
A visitation will be held Friday, February 28th from 3 – 5 pm at Kosanke Funeral Home, 309 S. Main St., Kouts with a time of sharing beginning at 5:00 pm.
GUESTBOOK
My deepest sympathy for the loss of a great sweet man. He fought hard for such a long time. Happy to have known him. -Carla Smolek
Prayers for the family and friends in the loss of Tom! He was so kind and talented! I'm grateful to have known him! -Jane Witkowski
He will be greatly missed. One of my favorite Uncles. I remember going on a vacation with Uncle Tommy and Aunt Corky to Florida when I was nine or ten we had a blast! I have fond memories of that time. My thoughts and prayers for Shayne and Tommy and their families. -Clara Jean
Tom will be greatly missed by all of us who were fortunate enough to know him. His sincerity, honesty, and near-genius sense of comedic timing endeared him to so many. In this time of sorrow, it has been a modest comfort to reflect on and share in his memory. He was truly a one-of-a-kind soul. -Andrew Yacuk
My Mom, Joanne, and my family love Tom. He is my children’s Papaw Tom. He was always kind and had a great sense of humor. He took an interest in them and talked to them individually about what they were up to. He was the only one who really complimented my blueberry muffins, saying they were the best blueberry muffins he had ever had! He was a really talented wood worker. love the intricate three dimensional art he could visualize and make! I am blessed with a few pieces on my wall and some nesting boxes, which were quickly inhabited last spring. I hear the birds from my office all day and I think of Tom. May the peace of the Lord be with you all. -Pam Brozan
