SHERMAN-William "Bill" Ethan Cole, 90, of Sherman, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 20, 2017.
He was born August 16, 1927 in Wrightsville, PA, the son of the late Howard and Gertrude Palmer Cole.
Bill was a veteran of the US Army during WWII serving from 1945 to 1947, with most of his time spent in the Philippines.
He greatly enjoyed playing golf, where he could spend time with family and friends. He also enjoyed bowling, hunting, basketball, and softball.
Bill was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Sherman where he served as a deacon for many years, as well as a youth counselor in his younger years. Bill had volunteered for many service projects at the Bethany Christian Camp in Sinclairville. He was also a member of the Damcott Jones Post #8742 American Legion in Clymer, NY.
He had been in and around the sawmill business most of his life. His early years had been with his father, Howard, and brother Dick, then for many years he worked for Bissell/Babcock Millwork, as well as running his own part-time saw mill with his sons; Kim, Kevin, and Todd. His retirement years were spent again working with his sons, son in law and grandsons in Vidal Electric. He loved work and being with his family.
Bill is survived by his five children; Vicki (Terry) Ayers of Sherman, Kim (Gayle) Cole of Sherman, Debbie (Steven) Tower of Northeast, PA, Kevin (the late Cheryl) Cole of Sherman, and Todd (Kimberly) Cole of Sherman; 13 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine G. Smith Cole, whom he married on August 4, 1950 in the First Baptist Church of Sherman, NY, his parents, a brother; Richard Cole a sister; Sandra Johnson, and one grandson; David Ayers.
The funeral service will be at 10:30AM on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at the First Baptist Church in Sherman. The Rev Paul Sears and Rev Tim Minge will officiate. Burial will be in Clymer Center Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8PM on Tuesday, December 26 at the First Baptist Church in Sherman.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church in Sherman (113 Church St, Sherman, NY 14781), or to the Stanley Hose Fire Company (112 Park St, Sherman, NY 14781).
The Freay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
To leave a remembrance or post condolences for Bill, please log on to www.freayfuneralhome.com.