DR. ELBERT C. COLE Jr.

In the late 70's and early 80's I had the honor to meet and work with Dr. Cole when I worked at the AARP Kansas City office. I cannot think of a finer man who treated everyone with respect. His creativity was enormous and he did so much to develop the Shepherd's Center at Central Methodist and then to help re-create throughout the country.
The last time I saw him was at an aging conference and he was escorting his wife who was quite frail at that time. What a wonderful marriage they...

Knowing Elbert Cole was a joy and a delight. His memory will continue to inspire me.

Dr. Cole was an inspiration to all who look at aging as a process endowed with dignity and awe.

To Carolyn, Ruthann, and all Elbert's family:
None of you have met me. I am one of the many people who are active in gerontology nationally who have met and been touched by and educated by Elbert and who is greatful for his leadership with the Shepherd Centers and beyond. Most memorably for me, I spend quite a bit of time with Elbert during a trip to Cuba after Virginia's death. This included a walk of 4 or 5 hours through the city while we were looking for the working synagogues of...

I was fortunate to correspond with and visit with Dr. and Mrs. (Virginia) Cole at Duke and at many aging conferences. Their care for each other was truly inspirational. Dr. Cole was persuasive enough to convince me to briefly join a Shepherd's Center national advisory group. I will always remember him as the charismatic leader of the earliest and most impressive faith community volunteer organization to support aging families. I miss them both.

Lisa Gwyther, MSW

I was blessed to have lived in Dr. and Virginia's home when Carolyn and I were teaching together in Raytown, Mo. What a time that was and what fond memories I still have. They were both a blessing to me. Dr. Cole will be missed, but we will see him again someday when we pass into eternal life.
Fondly,
Clarice Ratekin Wittmann (Carolyn, I would love to hear from you)

Dr. Cole was my minister growing up. I greatly admired him and his faith. He touched many lives. His efforts for the elderly were particularly impressive. When I would return home, he would always remember me. Even in his senior years he was an energetic pastor and teacher of the Methodist faith. God blessed us with him and my prayers go to his family and friends - he will be missed. Marianna Martin Sockrider, MD, DrPH

Mrs. (Cole) Williams,
As one of your students at Pittman Hills Jr. and attending your wedding at the beautiful church where your dad was pastor, I would like to convey my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I will never forget, you were my favorite teacher and I remember how sad I was when you married and moved away.