Kenneth Aaron Cole

So sad to just recently learn of your passing, my friend. I am shaken by the loss and shamed by my failure to stay in closer touch with you. When you last came to DC, we hung out like we always do. You looked great, were doing well and spoke proudly of Deb and of Payton's college scholarship and love of the french horn. We talked several times on the phone after that and I assumed, like always, that my friend was ok. I've lived long enough to know that life can change in an instant, but I...

Kenneth was such a wonderful and pleasant young man. My prayers are with the family..He will always be a part of your life. Remember all the Joy and Happiness that he brought into your lives. I just loved that smile of his.
I met him through my Son Marvin Lee.
May God be with you.

I was touring the newspaper office at the University of Missouri when a beaming young student’s eyes fixated on me. After capturing my full attention with that radiant smile I would come to know and appreciate, Ken Cole pointed toward my chest. I looked down at my Detroit Tigers T-Shirt and smiled. I had met a Tigers fan, but more importantly a new friend who I later would mentor and start trying to recruit to The Detroit News. He didn’t land at The News until after I had left for other...

Ken was a beaming, intelligent ball of energy. There was no harder working lobbyist in the Michigan State Capitol. He would stop by our office to say hello regularly and our friendship/mentorship began then and there. I'm grateful for his example, his persistence and his commitment to excellence in his profession. He taught me to be tough, unmovable when you "know what you know." His passing leaves a large gap in the hearts of many, including mine. That smile would light up a room....

Kenneth was a loveable guy, I can't remember what age he was when we met but his mother made sure we ALL took care of him. He was always smiling and talking. I will miss you my old friend/brother Rest easy.

Kenneth was the guy who you knew was gonna far when we were little kids. It goes way back to Sunday school class at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Dyersburg, TN. Alma Faye, who raised Kenneth always kept him dressed neat, but he was so down to earth. He was a really good athlete as well and a fan of Kronk gym. Kenneth was saved at a very young age and just blended in with everyone. Prayers for Debi, Payton, Alma Faye and all his loved ones.