E. Roy Cole

Jan. 22, 1919 — April 10, 2015

E. Roy Cole, 96, passed away peacefully at home, with family, on April 10. 2015. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Cole, and six of his brothers, and two sisters.

Roy is survived by his seven children: Daughter Shirleen Hutchens and husband Gary of Estero, Fla., grandchildren Eric Hutchens, wife Ranya, and great-grandsons Gabriel and John, grandson Tim Hutchens and great-grandson William, Amy Figge and husband Alex and great-grandsons Thomas and Ford, and granddaughter Anne Hutchens. Daughter Diane Schafer and husband Ralph of Ramona, Calif., granddaughter Angela Keller and husband Jay, and great-grandchildren Ava and Jack, and grandson Andrew Schafer. Son Jim Cole of Seaside, Ore. Daughter Pat Boehm and husband Don of Astoria Ore., grandchildren Tracy Linder, David Pitman and Nicole Bennett, Becky Boehm, and Jennifer Boehm. Son Fred Cole of Baja, Mexico. Daughter Judy Knapp and Rick Murrell of Knappa, Ore., and grandchildren Doug Knapp, great-grandchildren Kaydence, Macy, and Gatlin. Josh Knapp and wife Christina, and great-grandchildren Teagan and Mollee. Son Roger Cole and wife Pat of St. Petersburg, Fla., and granddaughter Summer Thielbeule and husband Adam. Brother Robert Cole of Chapel Hill, N.C., and his loving companion Rosie Egbert of Hillsboro, Ore.

Roy was born in a turpentine camp in Texas and raised in Florida. He joined the Navy, met his wife in Nashville and was stationed in Coos Bay before moving to Seaside in 1945. He had his own delivery service, was employed as an auto mechanic, in a lumber yard, delivered linens, had many rental properties and owned and operated a motel. Roy is a past commander of Legion Post 99, and was very generous with his contributions to the Seaside High School Scholarship fund.

Roy was an avid hunter, clam digger and gardener. He enjoyed traveling and found his greatest joy and true calling as patriarch to his 26 grandchildren. His warm smile, soft voice and the sparkle in his eyes will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services were held at Hughes-Ransom in Seaside April 18. Graveside services at Evergreen Cemetery and a reception at the Cole family residence followed.

Donations to the Seaside High School Scholarship Fund are encouraged in lieu of flowers.

Hughes-Ransom Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.hughes-ransom.com to share memories and sign the guest book.