Larry Cole, 82

Larry James Cole passed away peacefully Sunday morning, July 9,2023 at the age of 82, at Rose Arbor in Kalamazoo. Larry was born in Schoolcraft on November 3, 1940. He was the son of Curtis and Mary (Sisson) Cole.  He had two younger sisters, Gay Lynn Willis, and Nancy Speece-Miller. Larry played Basketball on three varsity teams, winning three Districts and one Regional. He Graduated from Schoolcraft High School with the Class of 1958.

He married Mary Tobin from Three Rivers in 1960. Larry had three grown children: Dawn (Dean) Cole Decker; Michele (Robert) Cole Johnson; Curtis (Maxine Belino) Cole; 11 grandchildren and three great Grandchildren with a fourth one on the way.

Larry graduated from Western Michigan University in 1962 with BA in Biology, Geography, and P.E. He taught at Rogers High School In Wyoming, MI from 1962-1966. Larry then went on to complete his Master’s Degree from Michigan State University in 1966. After which he returned to his hometown where he became the Junior and Senior High School Principal in Schoolcraft from 1966-1969. In 1969 became the Superintendent from 1969-1975. He completed another degree from WMU in 1974 in Completed Education Specialist. The family moved to Vicksburg 1975 where he served as Superintendent of Vicksburg Community Schools from 1975-1979 and again from 1984-1994, after which he retired. He was happily retired with his wife Mary of 62 years along with their children and grandchildren. Along with his career in education Larry was also a realtor and was a real estate developer. He was a life member of the Schoolcraft Masonic Lodge 118, and the Vicksburg Rotary. In his spare-time Larry loved to play golf. He would often book golfing into his family vacations. He even once had a hole-in-one. In the fall of 2022 Larry Cole was inducted into the Schoolcraft High School Hall of Fame.

Above all else, Larry loved his family and spending time with them on vacation or their many activities. He will be remembered by his family as charismatic, having a great sense of humor, determined, and a leader.

There will be a private service, with the burial taking place at Schoolcraft Cemetery.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Larry’s guestbook and/or share your favorite memory with the family. Those who wish may make contributions to the Vicksburg Community Schools Foundation.

The Cole family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes, 409 South Main, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269) 649-1697.