Aubrey Elton Cole Sr.

1926 - 2017 Aubrey Elton Cole, Sr. died peacefully in his home on January 28, 2017 at the age of ninety years old. He was born on April 29, 1926 to Providence Walter Cole and Agnes Clark Cole in Hemphill, Texas. His family moved to Jasper County around 1936 and eventually settled in the Buna area and lived there until his death. Aubrey worked for the Texas Forest Service for 10 years before working in shipyards and iron working for several years. In 1972 he was approached by neighbors to run for Jasper County Sheriff and won his first term in a run-off election. He served as Jasper County Sheriff for 18 1/2 years before retiring to help take care of his aging father. While in office his motto was to be available to all the people of Jasper County all the time and he tried his best to live by that motto. He exemplified the true meaning of Peace Officer and tried to settle all problems in a peaceful manner. The Jasper County jail is named the Aubrey E. Cole Law Enforcement Center after him. Aubrey was a 60 year member and Past Master of Buna Masonic Lodge 1095 and served as District Deputy Grandmaster of District 25B of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Texas. He was also Past Worthy Patron several times of Buna Eastern Star. He loved attending his lodge and continued to do that until his death. He was also well respected in his community and served as Redbud Royalty with his wife, Jackie. In 1997 he was named citizen of the year by the Buna Chamber of Commerce. Most importantly Aubrey Cole was a family man loved dearly by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He married Rebecca (Jackie) Lambert in 1944 and they were married 61 years before her death. Aubrey is survived by his seven children, Aubrey Elton Cole, Jr. and his wife Mary Ellen, W.C. Cole and his wife Mary Kay, Becky Cleveland, Mary Herrington and Rex, all of Buna. Novie Hammock and Dale of Kirbyville, Frances Tomlin and Jerry of Minden, LA, and Tammy Hays and Jim of Warren, 19 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren. After the death of his first wife he married Mary Smith and is survived by Mary and her three children, Rhonda Tanton and Bobby; Joe Smith and Michelle; and Tony Smith, 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Aubrey Cole loved hunting, fishing, farming and any outdoor activity. He could tell the best stories and loved to be the center of attention. He was loved by many good friends and was considered somewhat of a legend in Jasper County. His infectious smile, booming voice, and great knowledge of the history of Jasper County will be greatly missed. The family would also like to give a special thanks to his caregiver, Jennifer Davis, that has been such a blessing to our family. Visitation for Aubrey Cole will be held at Adams E.E. Stringer funeral home from 5-8 p.m., Monday, January 30, 2017. Services will be held at Central Baptist Church on HWY 96 in Buna, Texas at 10 a.m. January 31, 2017. Masonic graveside rites will follow at Antioch Cemetery.