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Emerson Cole Obituary
Mr. Cole, 91, passed away Tuesday, June 4, 2019, in the ProMedica Ebeid Hospice Residence. He Attended the University of Toledo on a football scholarship from 1946-1950 where he joined the Alpha Xi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in June of 1947, returning in 1964 to earn a Bachelors Degree in education. He was the first minority to be drafted (three others made the team by tryouts) by the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League in 1950-1952 winning the World Championship in 1950. He also played for the Chicago Bears in 1953 and that year was appointed to the Lucas County Sheriffs Office where he rose to the rank of Detective Sergeant before resigning in 1959. On January 4, 1960 he was appointed as a caseworker for the Lucas County Welfare Department and became a supervisor prior to resigning in 1965. He was appointed in 1965 to the position of Director of the Southwest Community Center for the Toledo anti-poverty program. He accepted the position in 1967 of Executive Director of the Erie-Huron Counties of Ohio of their anti-poverty program. On November 1, 1968 he accepted the position of Regional Director of the Northwest (Toledo) office of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, which included 26 counties. He subsequently transferred to the Central office in Columbus, Ohio on May 15, 1977, serving as Chief of Compliance and regional operations covering the Toledo, Cleveland, Akron, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati offices, where he remained until his retirement on November 1, 1986. He was inducted into the athletic halls of fame of Swanton (Ohio) High School in 1998 and The University of Toledo on February 3, 1984. On June of 1990, he joined the I.B.P.O.E.W. Order of Elks, Franklin Lodge #205, Columbus, Ohio and received the highest degree of Exalted Ruler in 1992. Mr. Cole was also inducted into the African American Legacy Project Hall of Fame. He was married to Ruth Moore-Cole from 1948 until 1980; together they raised their three children, Charles, Denise and Dennis, who passed in 1999. Mr. Cole also leaves to cherish his memory, 4 grand and 5 great-grandchildren; brothers, Isaac Stanley Cole and Donald Steve Cole and sisters, Gloria J. Brown and Brenda Caroll Cole. A Visitation will be from 3-6 pm Sunday, June 9, 2019, at The C. Brown Funeral Home, Inc. Chapel, 1629 Nebraska Ave., Toledo, OH 43607. Funeral Services will be 11 am Monday, June 10, 2019, at the Warren AME Church, 915 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo, OH 43604, preceded by a 10 am Family Hour/Wake.
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Memories and Condolences
for Emerson Cole
Che'Bastian Barron Cole
January 11, 2025
His Father and my grandfather were brothers. As first cousins, he, my mother and her siblings were very close. I remember him fondly and saw him like the cool uncle. He was large in presence and character. Smoking a pipe, he was always a man's man. He embodied what I knew about being a Cole, intelligence, style, charm brotherhood and humility. If I could just say one more thing to him it would just simply be "thank you!"
Gregory Gentry
June 10, 2019
To the Cole family, with emphasis to Steve and Charles, please accept my condolences for your loss.
June 10, 2019
So very sorry for your loss, may the God of all Comfort be you and your family in this time of great sadness.
June 9, 2019
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Jeff WOODS
June 9, 2019
MY CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO THE CAVANAUGH AND COLE FAMILYS . I,V KNOW MR COIE FOR OVER 60 YEARS WHEN LIVING IN SWANTON OHIO .I WISH I COULD BE THERE BUT AT THIS TIME I,M UNABLE DUE TO MEDICAL.
June 8, 2019
To Denise: sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Mr. Cole was a supervisor when I was working at LCWD. My condolences to your entire family. Sincerely, Dorothy Randall
Jackie Nelson
June 7, 2019
Brenda: My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this difficult time. In the years that we worked together in the Court, I remember the fond and loving stories that you would tell about your entire family. You were especially proud of Emerson. Having met him twice while we worked together I remember thinking that he was indeed the larger than life man you always spoke of with such love and affection. Treasure all of those wonderful family memories and know that he is at peace.
Patricia Washington
June 7, 2019
I just learned of Mr. Cole's passing. I was his Administrative Assistant from 1969 until his retirement. I know Mr. Cole will be missed by his family. I was informed he was in lots of pain. Now, he's pain free and in a better place. Lean on the Lord and he'll dry your tears and give you comfort. -- Patricia Washington
Jerry Garner
June 7, 2019
To the Cole Family,I am saddened to read of the passing of Mr. Cole. Growing up with Chuckie, his dad always wanted us to excel in sports. All these years... I did not know he was the FIRST African-American drafted by the Browns. Chuckie, Denise and family... always remember the good times with BIG-EM. Jerry Garner
Reginia Pauley
June 7, 2019
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
LaTunga Wiggins
June 7, 2019
Sending condolences and my prayers to the family during your time of loss.
Leona Moore
June 7, 2019
Condelences to the Cole the family. Uncle Emerson opened many doors for everyone. Thank you Uncle Emerson. Rest in peace.
Jackie, Leona, Beverly Moore
Kim Laramore
June 6, 2019
The the Cole Family
May God Comfort you during this difficult time. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Cole at TTC where he was a patient. He was very kind.
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