Glenn Russell Cole

RICHMOND, Ind. – Glenn Russell Cole, age 94, of Richmond, Indiana, died Wednesday, January 25, 2017, at Arbor Trace Exceptional Senior Living. Born May 11, 1922, on a farm near Bentonville, Indiana, to Horace and Audra Whiteley Cole, Glenn was a life-long resident of Wayne County, living in Cambridge City for over 50 years. He attended Indiana Business College and Miami University. In his early work years, Glenn was a bookkeeper for Richmond Industrial Supply. He also worked in the accounting office of American Kitchens for 10 years. Later, Glenn worked as a piano tuner-technician in Wayne and the surrounding counties for 45 years, tuning pianos for many schools, churches, and homes. He was the official tuner-technician for Earlham College for 22 years. Glenn sold pianos, organs, and band instruments for several years, as well. During his professional life, he also gave clarinet and saxophone lessons and was active in music contests at Western Wayne Schools. Glenn’s stage life began at the age of 12 with the Cole Family Band, featuring his parents, brother, Raymond, and himself on saxophone. They performed at various community and church functions in Fayette and Wayne County during the Depression. During the next 60 years, involvement in band performances took him to dances and dinner clubs several times a week where he played clarinet, saxophone, bass, and organ. Even into his 90s, Glenn was still playing saxophone and clarinet with the Carol Lou Woodward Band at Joe’s Pizza and other local functions. He was a life member of the American Federation of Musicians, serving as a board member for several years. Glenn was a former member of the Connersville Elks Club #379. While wintering in Florida for 19 years, he volunteered in the Music Department at Ellenton Elementary School for six years. Glenn was a birthright member of the Dublin Friends Meeting in Dublin, Indiana. Survivors include his sons, Gary R. Cole of Richmond and Steven F. (Sarah) Cole of Birmingham, Alabama; grandchildren, Jack and Piper Cole; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Betty Jean Gipson Cole; parents; and brother, Raymond H. Cole. Visitation for Glenn Russell Cole will be from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. Saturday, January 28, 2017, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, January 28, 2017, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home with Pastor Brett Karanovich officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Cambridge City, Indiana. The family would like memorial contributions to be made to the Music Equipment Repair Fund (MERF) at Northeastern High School. Please send contributions to: Northeastern Schools, c/o MERF, 7295 US 27 North, Fountain City, IN 47341. Memorial contributions may also be made to: Animal Welfare League, 1825 Chester Blvd., Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Glenn Russell Cole

May 11, 1922 - January 25, 2017