Obituary of Jesse E. Cole

Jesse E. “Shorty” Cole Jr., of Pearland, passed away after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s on March 29, 2009. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Ewell & Mary (Jordan) Cole; and his wife, Retta Jo (Holland) Cole. He is survived by his sons, Larry & Mitzi Cole, Randy & Renee Cole, Wren & JoAnn Cole and Kevin & Lisa Cole; sister, Lucrecia “Cricket” Hanna; twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Jesse was born on November 10, 1927 in Memphis, Texas. He was married for fifty-six years to Retta Jo Holland. They resided in Pearland from 1977-1985 at which time they returned to Lubbock. Jesse and Retta Jo remained in Lubbock until Retta’s death in 2003. Jesse came back to Pearland in 2006 to be closer to his family. He was a loving husband and father who was kind, understanding, and wise to his four sons. Jesse loved his church and was an active Deacon. His church family knew him as Jesse but to his own family he was either Shorty or Granddaddy. He was a man who could embrace change easily and could adapt to any situation. Jesse was a man of strong faith and was a soul-winner throughout his life always working to bring Jesus Christ into the lives of others. He lived his life serving the Lord and providing for his family. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. Visitation for Jesse will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Clayton Funeral Home and Thursday, April 2, 2009 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Rest Haven Funeral Home, 5740 W. 19th Street, Lubbock, Texas 79407, 806-785-3800. The Funeral Service will be on Friday, April 3, 2009, at 10:00 am at Rest Haven Funeral Home. Pastor George Ray will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations online in Jesse’s name to www.apii.org, Asian Partners International.