Charles Earl Cole

Charles Earl Cole, 87, of Crystal Beach (formerly of Bevil Oaks) passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, at home on Saturday, May 25, 2024.
Charles was born on June 15, 1936, to R.V. and Edna Cole of Nederland, Texas. He was a proud and active member of the Nederland High School Class of 1954. Following high school, he attended the Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama and subsequently enlisted in the U.S. Navy and attended the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Following his Honorable Discharge, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves.
After his time in the reserves, while living in Beaumont, Charles met a young nursing student and love of his life, Carlis Katherine Danna. They married in November 1962 and were preparing to celebrate their 62 wedding anniversary this year. Charles and Carlis moved to Bevil Oaks in 1968 where they happily raised their two daughters, residing there until 2017. Their love of the beach led their family to the Bolivar Peninsula for every summer vacation and they purchased their first Crystal Beach home in 1988. They were proud to become full time residents in 2017 and have become an integral part of the community.
As a young man, Charles was a thrill seeker and obtained his pilot's license, was a member of a competitive water ski club, and part of a drag racing team which set the world land speed record at 201.78 mph in 1960. Embracing their shared love of the ocean, Charles and Carlis both became certified scuba divers and spent many years diving with friends in the Caribbean. An avid fisherman, Charles fished the gulf, the bay, the lakes and enjoyed numerous fishing trips to Mexico.
Charles was the owner of Cole Automotive Paint & Supply in Beaumont for many years until his retirement and permanent move to the beach. As a selfless and doting father, husband, grandfather and friend, he led by quiet example. His work ethic was unmatched, he knew how to repair anything and solve any problem. Charles and Carlis played as hard as they worked and when not at the beach, you could find them at their deer lease hunting, riding their four wheelers and building lifelong friendships. They also had many adventures flying with their daughters and friends in Charles' beloved Cessna.
Charles is survived by his wife and their two daughters, Stacey Cole of Crystal Beach and Layne Cole and her fiancé Wayne Roberts of Bryan, Texas, their beloved grandkids Brady Clark, Meagan Clark, Barrett Yoder, Adam Schwarzbach and Cole Schwarzbach, his brother-in-law, Thad Sitton, of Buna and numerous cousins and friends. He was the beloved Uncle Charles to numerous nieces and nephews, "Charlie", "Charles Earl" and "Mr. Charles" to the many friends he cherished throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beautiful sister, Sue Cole Sitton.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Macular Degeneration Foundation at www.EyeSight.org or the local volunteer fire department of your choice.
A gathering of Charles' family and friends will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, June 2, 2024, at Broussard's, 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. His funeral mass will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 3, 2024, at Our Lady by the Sea Catholic Church, 2400 Highway 87, Crystal Beach. A reception and Celebration of Life will be held at Jose's Restaurant, 1021 Hwy. 87, Crystal Beach immediately following the funeral. A private interment will be held at a later date.