Father Edward Thomas Coles

Father Edward Thomas Coles

Edward Coles Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 23, 2003.
COLES, FATHER EDWARD THOMAS, S.J., died at Our Lady of Wisdom Nursing Home in New Orleans, Tuesday, October 21, 2003. He was a Jesuit for 57 years, and a priest for 44 years. He was born in Houston, Texas, in 1924, and he graduated from St. Thomas High School in Houston in 1941. Father Cole's family moved to Shreveport, Louisiana in 1941. Although Father Coles graduated from St. Thomas High School in Houston, his mother thought he was too young to go to college; for this reason she enrolled him at St. John's High School in Shreveport for the 1941 - 1942 school year. He entered Loyola University in New Orleans in 1943. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1945, and was a prisoner of war in Germany during the final weeks of the war. he entered the Jesuit novitiate in 1946. He studied philosophy at Spring Hill College (1950 - 1953), and studied theology at St. Mary's College, St. Mary's Kansas (1956 - 1960). He was ordained at Spring Hill College on June 17, 1959. He is survived by his sister, Sister Jane Coles, a Sister of Divine Providence of San Antonio, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Coles, and two sisters, Alice Ann Coles, and Sister Mary Catherine Coles, O.P. His sister Catherine, because she could not say "brother", call him "Bubba" and that became his name. Father Coles went for special studies in education at the University of Houston (1961 - 1964), where he obtained a masters in education, and later to the University of Florida for doctoral studies. He also had a degree in accounting from Loyola University. He had a long and fruitful ministry, especially in high school ministry. He was principal at Strake Jesuit in Houston (19561 - 1964), at Jesuit High School in Tampa (1964 - 1969). He spent 1970 - 1971) in further studies at the University of Florida. In 1971, he became principal at Jesuit High in New Orleans, but his term there was abruptly ended by a heart attack. After recovering from the heart attack, Father Coles began serving as treasurer, counselor, assistant to the principal at Jesuit High Schools in Shreveport, Tampa, and Houston. In 1983 - 1984 he was an associate pastor at St. Rita Church in Dallas, Texas, then at St. Michael's Church in Houston, Texas, then at St. Ignatius Church in Spring, Texas. He was assigned to Holy Name Parish in 2000, but because of bad health he came to Ignatius Residence in New Orleans. He was later moved to Our Lady of Wisdom Nursing Home on General De Gualle Avenue. In spite of his deteriorating health, he ministered to the residents at Our Lady of Wisdom for as long as he could and he was admired and respected by all. There will be a vigil service for Father Coles at Thomas Hall at Loyola University on Thursday, October 23, 7:30 p.m. The funeral Mass will be at Our Lady of Wisdom Nursing Home, 5600 General DeGaulle Dr. on Friday, October 24, at 10 A.M. Burial will be in the Jesuit Cemetery in Grand Coteau, Louisiana. Arrangements by: Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Home 3827 Canal St. New Orleans, La 70119 504-482-2111

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Sign Edward Coles's Guest Book

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November 5, 2003

Joyce Coles posted to the memorial.

October 30, 2003

Janet,Roland,RoeRoe Rendon posted to the memorial.

October 24, 2003

Mission Park Funeral Chapels and Cemeteries posted to the memorial.

Joyce Coles

November 5, 2003

We were very sad to hear about the death of Fr. Bubba. Immeditately began remembering the good times we had with him and he was a wonderful person.



Cousins Joyce and Don Coles

Janet,Roland,RoeRoe Rendon

October 30, 2003

You were certainly a blessing to us, we will miss you very much, but we know you are in a better place now! God bless you and may you rest in peace! Please keep a look out for us and tell our parents we say "hello" and we love them and we love you, Fr. Bubba!! Thanks for all you did for us and everyone else..

Mission Park Funeral Chapels and Cemeteries

October 24, 2003

On behalf of the Directors and Staff at Mission Park Funeral Chapels and Cemeteries in San Antonio,Texas we would like to extend our sincere condolences on the loss of Fr. Coles. Make the Lord Bless you and give you strength in your time of grief.

John Coles

October 24, 2003

He seemed to have a way in bringing the good out of everyone he touched.

Joan O'Connor

October 23, 2003

I am so sorry for the loss of our beloved Father. When our Catholic Community looses such a special Priest is is never easy. Even though I did not know Father well I am an Ursuline Graduate and my Dad and Brothers attended Jesuit. What a tremendous contribution this man made to our society. God hold him in the palm of his hand forever. With all my love, Joan O'Connor

Edwina (Menefee) Ewell

October 23, 2003

Farewell, dear friend.

Cindy Renaudo

October 23, 2003

Father Coles was a loving friend and great spiritual advisor to me and many while he was at St. Ignatius. He will be missed here, but will be a great treasure in Heaven.

Patricia Taylor

October 23, 2003

What a great person! One of the first priest that we met at Strake Jesuit High School. Fond memories.

Dorothy Elaine (Sacco) Hemenway

October 23, 2003

To the Family of Father Edward Coles:

My deepest sympathy at the death of

Father Coles. I remember him as Bubba Coles, when I took dancing lessons from his sister, Frances Margaret Coles. I remember the family very well, the twins Mary Jane and Alice Ann. I am a former parishioner from Blessed Sacrament parish, 4015 Sherman Houston, Tx. I attended school there as well. My parents, who are both deceased are Leon and Rose Sacco. Sister Annunciata was my first grade teacher. My prayers are with you. With fond memories, Dorothy Elaine (Sacco) Hemenway.

Celeste George Wheatley

October 23, 2003

Thank you for all your support, we will miss you.

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Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home

3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119

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Sign Edward Coles's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 5, 2003

Joyce Coles posted to the memorial.

October 30, 2003

Janet,Roland,RoeRoe Rendon posted to the memorial.

October 24, 2003

Mission Park Funeral Chapels and Cemeteries posted to the memorial.