Elmer P. Cole January 31, 1921 ~ April 16, 2011
		Draucker Funeral Home 700 N. Spruce Street Post Office Box 296 Ogallala, NE 69153 Ph:  308.284.4021

 OBITUARY

 
Elmer P. Cole, 90, lifetime resident of Brule, died Saturday, April 16, 2011 at Indian Hills Manor in Ogallala.

Elmer was born January 31, 1921 in Brule, the son of Earle V. and Catherine Perry Cole. After graduating from Brule High School in 1937, he graduated from Pomana College at Claremont, Cal.

On June 14, 1942 Elmer married Marion "Pat" Gratz at Claremont. Elmer enlisted in the military service on August 20, 1942 and served in the Army Air Corp infantry divisions as a bandsman, with the 19th Special Service Company. His service included overseas deployment in France and Germany in the European Theatre.

After being discharged the couple lived northwest of Brule where they farmed and ranched for many years. Elmer was a member of the United Church of Christ, Congregational of Brule and also served as choir director. He was a member of the Brule Lions Club and was a Director for the Bank of Brule. Elmer belonged to the Julesburg VFW Drum and Bugle Corp and the Merry Madrigals. He volunteered as Scout Master of the Boy Scout Troop 96, served on the Brule Farmers Cooperative Board in many capacities, and was a charter board member of the Brule Fire District.

His hobbies included vocal and instrumental music, sailing, hiking, camping, flying as a private pilot and travel. Elmer was conservation minded, planted many trees and was awarded the state's NRD Conservation Award.

Preceding him in death was his wife Marion "Pat" Cole, his parents, his sister Lois and her husband Hugh Bruce.

Survivors include one daughter Judy and her husband John Annable of Palos Verdes, Cal.; three sons: Doug Cole and his wife Jerri of Ogallala, Dave Cole and his wife Sandi of Liberty, MO; and Phil Cole and his wife Nancy of Brule. Seven grandchildren: Dan Cole and his wife Beth; Becky and her husband Andrew Baruth; Matt Cole and his wife Molly; Eric Cole and his wife Rachel; Ty Cole and his wife Jen; Sam Cole and his wife Tami; and Katie Cole; and 7 great-grandchildren.

At his request, there will be no viewing. Friends may sign the register book on Wednesday and Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Draucker Funeral Home. The family will greet friends on Thursday, April 21 at the Ogallala First Congregational United Church of Christ from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The funeral service will be Friday, April 22, at 10 a.m. in the Ogallala First Congregational, United Church of Christ. Rev. Lauran Heidenreich will officiate.

Interment is in the Brule Cemetery with military honors by the Keith County Veterans Organization. A memorial has been established in his memory. Online Condolences may be sent by clicking here.

Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.