Carl C. Cole Sr.

Carl Cole of Muskogee, Oklahoma departed this life for his eternal home on October 13, 2022. Carl’s father, Courtland, had seven children but he was the only child of his mother, Eula Cole. After moving around a lot while growing up, Carl graduated from both Abilene Christian High School and College. While at Abilene Christian College in Abilene, Texas, he met the love of his life, Louise. Carl knew after their first date, she was the one for him and they enjoyed 64 wonderful years of marriage. Carl proudly served in the Marine Corps, stationed in Korea. Upon graduating from college, Carl worked for a CPA firm before starting his career in governmental accounting. He served the cities of Midland and Lamesa, Texas and Tulsa, Oklahoma prior to joining the City of Muskogee as Finance Officer in November 1968. In July 1973, he became the Budget Director, in July 1976 he became assistant treasurer, and was appointed the first full time City Treasurer in November 1976; a position he held until his retirement in 2000. Carl was a faithful member of the Church of Christ and served for over 30 years as an elder with the Central, East Central, and Chandler Road congregations in Muskogee. Their home was open to many throughout the years; some stayed a day or two, others for several months and a few for several years. Many looked to Carl for spiritual guidance and assistance with financial matters. In addition, Carl had a heart for giving and serving others in the United States and abroad. In honor of his mother and to celebrate his 80th birthday, he established an endowed nursing scholarship at Harding University in Searcy, AR. Carl had a passion for worldwide travel and he was happiest driving all over the United States to see family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Louise, son Donald, parents Courtland and Eula; brothers, Virgil, Dale, Gene, and Dan; and sisters Beulah and Marian. Carl is survived by sons, Carl, Jr. (Tamra) Cole of Ft. Worth, TX, Grady (Jolene) Cole of Park Hill, OK; daughters, Judy (Dennis) McDowell of Rogers, AR and Nancy (Clay) Wilkinson of Justin, TX. He was Grandpa to 13 grandchildren: Joshua and Isaac Cole, Amanda (Michael) Pickens, Jessica (Christopher) Hebb, Jennifer (Jay) Dannelley, Rebecca (Jeff) Harris, Elizabeth (Cody) Elkinton, Rachel (James) Brunton, Jonathan (Liz) McDowell, Clay (Megan) Wilkinson, Chad (Kay) Wilkinson, Cole (Mary) Wilkinson, and Carl Wilkinson. He loved being Greatpa to 32 great-grandchildren, and also had many honorary children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and several nieces. Visitation will be 1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M., Sunday, October 16, 2022, at Cornerstone Funeral Home and 8:30-9:30 AM Monday, October 17, 2022. Services will be held 10:00 A.M., Monday, October 17, 2022, at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel in Muskogee, OK with Ministers Harry Fitzgerald, Jared Oduor, and Tony Sepulveda officiating. Interment will be held at Greenhill Cemetery in Muskogee, OK. Pallbearers will be Christopher Hebb, Jay Dannelley, Jeff Harris III, Cody Elkinton, Chad Wilkinson, and John Nevill. Honorary Pallbearers will be Michael Pickens, Jr. and James Brunton. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, AR 72762 or the Eula Kennamer Cole Nursing Scholarship, HU Box 12238, Harding University, Searcy, AR 72149-2238 Funeral services are under the direction of Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematory 1830 N York St Muskogee, OK 74403. Condolences can be made to the family at www.cornerstoneofmuskogee.com.

Carl C. Cole Sr.

December 26, 1934 - October 13, 2022