Lawrence Edward Cole
Lawrence Edward Cole, a hard-working provider for his family, died on December 18, 2022. Larry, 90, of Dimondale was born May 15, 1932, in Detroit to Edward and Dora (LeBlanc) Cole. Larry grew up in Detroit, near the Tiger Stadium/Briggs Field, where as a child he would always watch the Tigers play. Larry had a love of cars. He bought and fixed-up numerous autos resulting in a constant parade of them passing through the family’s driveway. Larry had to grow up fast as a teenager, becoming the caretaker of his family. Larry was proud to serve his country in the US Army as a military police officer. Career wise, he was a self-employed carpenter until 1964 during which he built their first home in Holt. After leaving the construction business he became a tool and die shipping and receiving manager at Oloffson Corp. retiring as a foreman.
Despite being a homebody, Larry was always present at family gatherings. He was an avid card player, and conversations often went on for hours before going home. One time, Larry’s family even convinced him to take a motorhome trip out west to the Rose Bowl. At home, Larry was always friendly and ready to feed anyone who stopped by for a visit. In his spare time, Larry could be found working on house projects to improve their home. You always knew you could find Larry on Sundays at 3 o’clock enjoying dinner with his family. Above all he was absolutely dedicated to his wife Shirley, of 63 years, standing by her and taking care of her as she battled Alzheimer’s. Larry was a Tiger baseball and Detroit Lions football fan. In fact, his last smile came after the Lion’s win on Sunday shortly before he died.
Larry is survived by his sons, Mike (Diane) and Keith Cole, and daughter Karen Berry; grandchildren, Ben (Ashleigh) and Brian (Dayna) Berry; great grandchildren, Cole and Camryn Berry; and sister, Nancy Walker. He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley; son-in-law, Rick Berry; and brother, Jimmy Ronowski.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Life Celebration service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, January 24 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. The family will receive visitors from Noon to 1 p.m. prior to the service. Following the services, the family will adjourn to the Forty Et Eight Chateau, 2949 S. Waverly Hwy., Lansing, MI. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Disabled American Veterans (DAV). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.