KENNETH D. COLE

KENNETH D. COLE, 78, noted local architect, died on Saturday, May 1, 2010, at his home. He was a prominent Fort Wayne architect who had designed many public buildings, but took the most pleasure in the joy in the eyes of his clients on his residential projects. Born Jan. 23, 1932, in Fort Wayne, son of Wolford J. and F. Helen (McDowell) Cole, he was a graduate of South Side High School. He also attended the Fort Wayne Art Institute, where he met his wife, Carolyn (Meyer) Cole. A 1957 graduate of the University of Cincinnati School of Architecture, he and his long-time partner, Art Matott opened a practice together in 1959. Two early commissions for the Unitarian Meetinghouse and additions to Emmanual Lutheran Church and School established him as a master of modernist mid-century architecture. Mr. Cole also designed Waynedale, Lane, Weisser Park, Lindley and Whitney Young Schools. He loved history, and his respect for it was beautifully reflected in his designs for renovations and additions. Ken loved nature and instilled a respect for the earth in his family through camping trips, and for the last 25 years, in significant time at his rustic cabin on the shore of Lake Superior. He was a member of Epiphany Lutheran Church, and formerly served on the board of the Fort Wayne Art Institute, the Allen County Fort Wayne Historical Society, the Izaak Walton League, and was also past president of the Indiana And Fort Wayne Chapters of the American Institute of Architects. Ken is lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Carolyn Meyer Cole; his son, David B. (Andrea) Cole; his daughters, Denelle C. (Jack) Wrightson, Diana F. (Jeb Waldschmidt) Cole and Dawn L. (Jeff) Cole-Easterday; eight grandchildren, James Cole, Kendall and Cole Wrightson, Amelia and Ezekiel Waldschmidt, Dylan, Jordan and Tynan Easterday; one great-grand child, Juliana James; and his sister, Patricia (Ron) Limbach. Memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday, May 8, 2010, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 917 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, with visitation two hours prior to service at the church. Preferred memorials to donor's choice. Arrangements by Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, Wayne Street Chapel. To send online condolences, please visit www.klaehnfahlmelton.com