Arnold J. Cole

Arnold J. Cole was born on May 13, 1935 to Alton Parker & Healon (Pope) Cole in the Ten Mile Community of Madison County, Texas. He graduated from Normangee High School.

Arnold was with his brother, Willie when he met his future wife, Helen Brown. They were married the next year. The first letter they received was greetings from their Uncle Sam. They had two wonderful sons, Steven and Dave. Arnold and Helen were members of First Baptist Church where they went every week with their two sons.

He went to work at the shoe factory in Bryan. Later, he worked at the Texas Highway Department in Houston and later transferred to Madisonville where he retired after forty years. Arnold worked for the Highway Department during the day and raised cows and hogs by night.

Arnold had owned cows since he was five years old. He and his younger son, Dave had a good herd until Dave passed away, and Arnold had to sell part of his cows. Steven and his boys helped until Arnold's health failed.

Arnold enjoyed trail riding in his younger years. He would often serve as the scout for the church trail rides. Arnold absolutely adored his family and was very proud of each of his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

Arnold passed away December 16, 2023 at his home in Madisonville.  He was preceded in death by both of his parents; son, Dave Cole and brother, William "Willie" Cole.

Surviving family members include wife of sixty-five years, Helen (Brown) Cole of Madisonville; son, Steve Cole (Katherine) of Normangee; daughter-in-law, Stephanie Schroeder Cole of Anderson; brother, Alton "Nap" Cole (Martha) of Bryan; sister-in-law, Eunice Cole of Madisonville; grandchildren, Hannah Henry (Evan), Cody Cole, Samuel Cole, Jacob Cole & Andrew Cole and step-grandson, Tyler Martin, as well as numerous extended family and friends.

A funeral service to honor Arnold's life will be held 10 A.M., Thursday, December 21, 2023 at First Baptist Church, Madisonville, Texas. Bro. Glenn Connor will officiate the service. Interment will follow in Ten Mile Cemetery. The Cole family will receive friends Wednesday, December 20th from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.

Pallbearers: Sam Cole, Jacob Cole, Andrew Cole, Cody Cole, Evan Henry, Heath Brown

Honorary Pallbearers: Todd Cole, Wayne Clodfielder, Tyler Martin, Joe James

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ten Mile Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 216, Normangee, Texas 77871

Arrangements are under the direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.