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Cpl. Eugene P. Cole
1956 - 2018
NORRIDGEWOCK - Cpl. Eugene P. Cole, 61, ended his watch on April 25, 2018, when he was killed in the line of duty.
Gene was born in Skowhegan on Oct. 7, 1956, the son of Philip E. and Gloria (Baker) Cole.
He was raised in Skowhegan and Madison, and he graduated from Madison Area High School, class of 1974. After serving in the United States Army, Gene returned home and married Sheryl Smith. They eventually built a home in Norridgewock, where they raised their four children.
Gene owned and operated a television repair shop in Skowhegan, and then moved the shop to Norridgewock. After closing his business in 2000, Gene pursued his calling to become a law enforcement officer. He graduated from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy's 10th Basic Law Enforcement Training Program in 2006, and then he went on to work as a rural patrol deputy for Somerset County Sheriff's Office.
After five years of working the road full time, he was promoted to the supervisory position of corporal. In this role, Gene mentored many deputies, and he was a constant source of advice and support for all of the area's law enforcement officers. It felt like Gene knew everyone in "the county," and he rarely passed up the opportunity to share a story or two. He was well-known, loved and respected by the community he gave his life to serve and protect.
Although dedicated to his work, Gene was equally devoted to his family. They could always count on him to be there when they called. His strong and constant presence in their lives will always be missed.
Gene was widely known in the community as a talented musician. He sang, played guitar and wrote songs. As a lead guitarist, he played with "Borderline Express" for over 20 years, and after his retirement from the group in 1994, he continued to fill in for them occasionally. Most recently, Gene and his brother Tom, known as "The Cole Brothers," played at T&B's every month.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Sheryl (Smith) Cole; children, Philip Cole and his wife, Alexandra, of North Carolina; Joseph Cole and his wife, Laurie, of Waterville; David Cole and his wife, Kim, of Skowhegan; and Jillanne Cole, of Norridgewock; grandchildren: Christopher, Anna, William Joseph, Kaitlyn, Zach, Whitney, Jamison, Aly and Liam; mother, Gloria Cole; brother, Tom Cole and his wife, Linda, of Skowhegan; sister, Sherryl Sirois, of Skowhegan; several nieces and nephews; and a large, extended family that includes his law enforcement family, and the many musicians that he played with over the years.
Gene was predeceased by his father, Philip; and his brothers, William and Fred.
Gene's family extends their deepest appreciation to their community members who have surrounded them with love and compassion in the last week. The family is especially thankful to the law enforcement officers who are working tirelessly and keeping watch.
And although I am but one man, I have thousands of brothers and sisters who are the same as me. They will lay down their lives for me, and I them. We stand watch together. The thin-blue-line, protecting the good from the bad. We are the police.
Visiting hours will be held from 4-7 p.m., Sunday, May 6, at the Skowhegan Armory, 11 North School St., Skowhegan. A celebration of Gene's life will be held at 12 p.m., Monday, May 7, at the Cross Insurance Center, 515 Main St., Bangor, with Chaplain Kevin Brooks officiating.
In honor of Gene's dedication
to his community, memorial
contributions may be sent to:
The Corporal Eugene Cole
Memorial Fund
c/o Bangor Savings Bank
113 Madison Avenue
Skowhegan, ME 04976
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
one year later and still thinking about you,i cannot believe someone would do this to such a nice man.may you continue to rest in peace gene and may god continue to bless your family.
Ron&Lana caswell
Friend
April 24, 2019
R.I.P Brother in arms, with us Being retired law enforcement, and You Resting in Heaven, Others have the watch. True Hero, Will see you again Someday.
Beverly and Andrew Busque
Friend
April 22, 2019
We are so sorry for the loss of Corporal Cole, Thank you Sir for your service to Maine and May You Rest In Peace!
Debra Russell
May 11, 2018
Sheryl and family. We send our sincere sympathy and prayers to you at this time. Our heart breaks for you all. Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things anyone experiences. Prayers and love your way. Herb & Kathy Hargraves (Canaan Maine)
May 7, 2018
Sending prayers for the Cole Family. Thank you for you service Cpl. Cole
(formally of Skowhegan)
Cheryl Nelson-Melcolm
May 7, 2018
My heart breaks for the family and friends of Corporal Gene Cole. May he rest in eternal peace in God's loving arms. I pray that his wife and children find peace and remember that they will one day see Gene again.
Linda Thomas
May 7, 2018
Sheryl and family we are so sorry for your loss Randy and Eugene were like brothers He will be missed
Randy&Penni Quimby
May 7, 2018
My deepest condolences to Eugene's family and loved ones. Sending up prayers for comfort. Thank you for your service, Corporal Cole.
Celia Murphy
May 6, 2018
Dave and Joe I am so very sorry for your loss. Words can not exspess how sorry I am. The world lost an amazing man and heaven gained an angel. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jessica Seeley-Roderick
May 3, 2018
Our deepest condolences to your family.
May 2, 2018
So sorry for the Cole family's lost keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. (Formally from Skowhegan)
Deborah Savage
May 2, 2018
Our deepest condolences to the Cole Family. Keeping them in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Thank you to Cpl. Cole for your service - Rest in Peace!
Missy & Jim Jacques
May 2, 2018
we are so sorry for your loss words cannot say i cannot believe this happened to such a nice guy he will be missed. may you rip gene i am glad i got to know you.
Ron&Lana Caswell
May 2, 2018
Tim
May 1, 2018
Rest easy Gene.
sherry medlin
May 1, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time....it's so very sad when a person who is so compassionate, loving, giving and dedicated to his profession to lose his life in such a tragic way. The law enforcement community has lost a great man and we all hurt for his family and his community. Marsha Booker - Knox County District Attorney's Office
Marsha Booker
May 1, 2018
Deepest sympathies to all.
Clara Spaulding Burrill
May 1, 2018
We are so sorry for your loss. Our community will never be the same.
May 1, 2018
Words cannot express how sorry I am for the Cole Family. My heart goes out to you. Gene was a good man. Heaven is lucky to have him. RIP Corporal Cole.
Kathy Benner
May 1, 2018
Thoughts and prayers to the family ...RIP Cpl.Eugene Cole.. Soooo many hearts broken..when you left that morning ! May be gone...but never forgotten !!
Nancy Luce
May 1, 2018
David, I am sorry for your loss. Your family is my thoughts and prayers.
Hillary Dionne-Henderson
May 1, 2018
Randy Sadler
May 1, 2018
My heart goes out to the family and friends of corporal Eugene cole rip
Jodi Leeman
May 1, 2018
Please accept our condolences to the family and extended family of Cpl. Eugene Cole. May you all find comfort and peace. RIP Cpl.Cole, thank you for your service.
Tammie & Jeff Leach
April 30, 2018
All the way up here in Jackman, Corporal Cole made a difference. We are very sorry first to his family and also to his peers.
Al and Debbie Szarka
April 30, 2018
Tom and family - Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. Gene was a wonderful man and the outpouring support is a true testament to that.
Tammy and Glenn Steuber
April 30, 2018
So sorry for your loss to Mr. Cole's family I never knew him but I'm sure he was in our town more then once looking over all of us while we slept making sure we were safe. just one of the many angels god took home. RIP Cpl Cole thank you for protecting and serving our county.
Susan True
April 30, 2018
Rest easy Corporal Cole.
April 30, 2018
I extend my deepest sympathies to Eugene's family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time. Gene was a classmate from Madison high.
Sanrda Walker
April 30, 2018
Cole family, I'm So sorry for your loss. Eugene was a great guy. He will be greatly missed.
Judy & Arnold Rollins
April 30, 2018
My Heartfelt Condolences to all Family & Friends, I do not know you but have traveled rt 2 Through your Town many times when I lived in Bangor,Maine. I recognized the area and felt a sense of Sadness hearing this awful New's. SHALOM
Paul Cohen
April 30, 2018
so sorry for your familys loss. officer cole was awesome and his work was greatly appreciated by many.
will be praying for you all as you morn for your loss. he was a great guy and alwaya greeted people with a smile.
kellie thompson
April 30, 2018
On behalf of the members of Hampden Public Safety we share your pain in this time of grief. We shall always remember Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Sgt Stewart Hampden Police
April 30, 2018
On behalf of the members of the Sagadahoc County Sheriff's Office our sincere condolences to the family and extended family of Cpl. Eugene Cole. May the memory of his life be a light to that which is good and noble.
Joel Merry
April 30, 2018
To the Cole family, My deepest condolences and prayer from bottom of hearts. I am truly sorry for the loss. May the LORD comfort your hurting heart with his loving arm and Eugene is watching over you all.
Shauna Neece
April 30, 2018
On behalf of the Maine Retired Troopers Organization, heartfelt condolences are being sent from all of us to the entire Cole family.
Timothy Culbert
April 30, 2018
We are sending sincere condolences to the Cole family and friends and his Law Enforcement Family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Gene will always be remembered as a wonderful man. RIP Gene
Kevin & Margo Cates
April 30, 2018
NO words can help
Bob Chicoria
April 30, 2018
Loie Legendre
April 30, 2018
My thoughts and prays are with your family.
Ashley Clark
April 30, 2018
Mark Toothaker
April 30, 2018
You have the kindest nicest guy I ever met both my brothers the tracy boys worked with you the first time I met u was when u and my brother Dana worked at the fair my boys where young out if the blue gave a couple dollars to go play some games right there left my heart filled cause I was struggling raising my boys alone even my kids remember they r both grown now your deeply missed in this community rest in peace now your watch has ended I thank u for all the years you protected our community
Tina Trscy
April 30, 2018
God Bless you mr.Cole you are a hero, R.I.P. never got to meet you wish I had.
Jerry Nye
April 29, 2018
<3
Oakes
April 29, 2018
We would like to send our deepest condolences to the Cole family, his brothers and sisters and thank you for protecting and risking your life for our community. Rest easy Corporal Cole.
Ed & Brandy Bernard
April 29, 2018
Sending our thoughts and prayers to the Cole family ❤ We're very sorry for your loss!
Jay & Ann Webb
April 29, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss.He was such a good kind man praying for your family
April 29, 2018
My heart goes out to the family. He was an awesome man. Rest easy Corporal Cole.
sherry medlin
April 29, 2018
My condolences are with u and ur family I'm so sorry for ur loss.. thank u capt. cole for ur service rip
Desiree Cummings
April 29, 2018
Rest In peace, My husband and I were both officers for years, You were a true hero, Thank you for your service. so sorry for your family.
Beverly and Andrew Busque
April 29, 2018
To his family I am deeply sorry for your loss, my heart and prayers go out to you.
Florence Hill
April 29, 2018
Our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Gary & Annettte Hilton
April 29, 2018
Sheryl and families. Gene was a wonderful man, who was respected and loved by many. Hold onto your memories, they are precious.
Alan, Patty ,Aj Mitchell
April 29, 2018
Not sure what to say...Hard to comprehend why things like this happen. Our sincerest condolences to the Cole family and the Somerset Sheriff's department.
Brett & April Patten
April 29, 2018
May the family, friends and coworkers of this exceptional man find comfort in the prayers, tributes and tears of a grateful community. Rest In Peace.
Charles and Rebecca Holden
April 29, 2018
David and family. I am deeply sorry for your family's loss. Gene was a great friend and deputy. The SSO has lost an incredible officer.
deke
April 29, 2018
Thank you for your service sir...
Aaron Bridges
April 29, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family, thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marian Mims
April 29, 2018
To the Cole family: My sincere sympathy to the whole family. Didn't know him personality but he touch many people in his life. May he rest in peace.
France Crowley
April 29, 2018
Heidi Willey
April 29, 2018
Deepest Sympathy to all The Cole Family in the loss of a wonderful person he will never be forgotten
Susan Hunnewell
April 29, 2018
So sorry for you lose in our prayer an thoughts Debbie
April 29, 2018
Thank you for your service sir, may you now rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers to your family, friends and all LEO's.
Mike & Patty Lucas
April 29, 2018
James Paul
April 29, 2018
God Bless
April 29, 2018
Rest easy. From Canada
Dale Shaffer
April 29, 2018
Deepest sympathies to all.
Lee Hebert
April 29, 2018
Our Sincere Condolences to the Cole Family.Thoughts and Prayers are with all of you.
Lv Therese & Anne
Our Sincere Condolences to the
Cole Family. Thoughts and Prayers are with all of you.
Love Therese & Anne
Therese Beaulieu
April 29, 2018
To Sheryl, Tommy, entire Cole family, & all of his 'Blue family': Our hearts are broken with yours. We remember Gene's great personality, his sense of humor, his musical talent (best guitarist ever!), and especially his love for his family. He will be greatly missed! May our thoughts and prayers comfort you and bring healing, wholeness, and a "peace that passes all understanding".
Jean & Richard Wood, Holden Maine
April 29, 2018
Deb Salewski
April 29, 2018
My sincere condolences to his family, Fellow Officers and friends
Deb
April 29, 2018
Sheryl and all of Eugene's family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult and overwhelming time. Gene was a wonderful man along with all of his brothers. He has contributed so very much to central Maine, not only in his work, but also in his music and just being a genuinely good person. The support shown speaks volumes of the type of person he was and how much your family is thought of. His memories will be forever in your hearts along with many others. Sincerely, Tom and Sheryl Keene
Sheryl Keen
April 29, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with the Cole Family. Gene was my classmate in the police academy (10 th BLETP). He was a good man and will be missed.
Tom Reagan Portland PD
Tom Reagan
April 29, 2018
To the Cole family our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with you all during this extremely sad time.
Searsport Police Department
April 29, 2018
My heart aches for his family, He will be truly missed by so man. I'm so sorry for the loss of such a great kind man. May you RIP and may time heal those hearts that have been broken from your loss.
robin crocker
April 29, 2018
We will be eternally grateful for your service & dedication to your community.You served it so very well & in doing so, paid the ultimate sacrifice. May you rest in eternal peace Gene. You will be forever missed
Joyce (Demo)Shaw
April 29, 2018
Gene Cole was one of the finest human beings I have ever had the honor to know. Mere words cannot convey the gravity of such a loss. My heart is broken hearing of Gene's passing, my thoughts and prayers go out to Gene's family, friends, and his brothers and sisters in arms.
John McLaughlin
April 29, 2018
My deepest condolences to Gene's family during this extremely sad event. I feel that Gene was such a special man in the truest sense. He offered his all every day, and always had time to share himself with others. He made others feel that he cared in everything he did. I will miss him.
Jesse Jacques
April 29, 2018
Thank you for protecting our town. We will celebrate your life, as your memory will live on. Rest Easy Cpl Cole.
Sarah
April 29, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with Eugenes family and friends! My heart aches for all family, friends and co workers! Although I did not know him he sounded like a amazing person, mentor and police officer. Gone but never forgotten!
Justin C.
April 28, 2018
Gene;
I was one of the 3 who sat for your oral board/interview for the Corporal's position. I knew then what kind of man and Deputy you were. The world had lost a caring law Enforcement Officer in which I saw a description of "a huge heart" and "gave tough love when it was needed." Thank you for your service.
Reginald & Melissa Walker
April 28, 2018
Our sorrowful condolences. I knew Gene from my work at RFGH ER for many years. Always a gentleman... always an excellent role-model for LE... truly an unfillable void. Much sorrow...
Jerry & Loretta Webb
April 28, 2018
Thank you so very much for your service. Just seeing your picture I can see what a kind man you truly were. My sincerest condolences to your entire family. Rest in peace sir. ♡
Kim Bueler
April 28, 2018
My deepest condolences to the family. Thank You sheriff Cole for your dedicated service. RIP.
claudia cantara
April 28, 2018
We are so sorry for your loss. Gene sounded like such a great man. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Doug and Diane Millett
April 28, 2018
My condolences to your family through this difficult time. May you Rest In Peace brother, we have the watch now.
Allen Frenette
April 28, 2018
Sheryl & family,
Our deepest sympathies to you. May you find peace in the love and support of family and friends.
Rick & Marie-Ann Demchak
April 28, 2018
Deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Cpl. Eugene Cole. He chose a noble profession and we owe him and all other law enforcement a debt of gratitude for putting their lives on the line each and every day!
Stacy Arbour
April 28, 2018
CPL COLE God Needed a strong man to care for his flock, he sure picked a Great one I do not know You Personally but my Brother was a member of York County RIP Your Job on earth is done
Diane Johnson
April 28, 2018
Our family would like to extend our deepest sorrow and prayers to your family in this time. Thank you Cpl Eugene Cole may you Rest In Peace.
Buckley family
April 28, 2018
YOU EARNED YOUR WINGS, now SOAR HIGH. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE EUGENE. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
MARGE ROSS
April 28, 2018
May God take care of your family, though they will forever be by your blue family. Thank you so much for all you did. You will always be loved and sorely missed. God bless. We've got it from here Sir.
Patrolman T. Fecteau - Lewiston PD
Travys Fecteau
April 28, 2018
My heart and my prayers are with the Cole Family at this time, although I haven't lived in Maine and 25 some years I visit regularly I have family there I was just there in November in Skowhegan in Maine is such a beautiful state I follow it constantly, thanks for your service officer Cole may you rest in peace it's in God's hands now
Bobbie Cunningham / pack
April 28, 2018
Our sincere condolences to the Cole family,and friends.So very sorry for your loss.We thank Mr Eugene Cole for his dedicated service.
Roger and Sharon Crosby
April 28, 2018
Rest easy Hero .Sympathy & condolences for the family, close friends, & all Maine law enforcement. Officer Cole left heartfelt memories for all of his community. Still protecting & watching over all now with his Angel wings on from Heaven. God bless his wife & extended family.
Mr & Mrs Ronald Hartford & Family
April 28, 2018
On Behalf of The American Legion Auxiliary Post 16 we send out our Condolences
April 28, 2018
May you Rest In Peace CPL COLE.
Thank you for your dedicated service.
Nathan and Jackie West
April 28, 2018
RIP CPL COLE...you will be missed by many...thank you for your service and the service you have provided over the years all over Somerset County and Jackman.
May you rest in paradise sir and watch over your loved ones.
Nathan and Jackie West
April 28, 2018
So sorry for you lost Sheryl and family.
Prayers are with you
Gayle (Brann) Markee-Begin
April 28, 2018
So sorry for your lost Sheryl and family
Prayers are with you
Gayle(Brann) Markee-Begin
April 28, 2018
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