Erwin Cole

Erwin G. Cole, 63, of Marshall died on Wednesday March 12, 2014 at Oaklawn Hospital surrounded by his family.Erwin was born on December 10, 1950 in Marshall to Robert and Nellie Cole. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1970. He was a Military Police Officer in the US Army during Vietnam. While stationed in Thailand, he met and fell in love with Rabieb "Bib" Chaiyarit. They were married in Thailand on May 22, 1972. When Erwin was honorably discharged in 1976 he and Bib returned to Marshall.Erwin worked for the Campbell Soup Company in Marshall for several years and retired in 2010 when the plant closed. Erwin previously worked at Midwest Foundry and Collins & Aikman. He was also a former member of the Marshall Moose Lodge #676. Erwin was an avid outdoorsman and took great joy in hunting, fishing, and especially fly fishing. He also enjoyed bowling and spending time with his family.He is survived by his wife, Rabieb "Bib" Cole of Marshall; children, Erwin (Juliette) Cole of Lafayette, IN, Tammy (Curtis) Burbey of Greensboro, NC, Bonnie Cole of Marshall; eleven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sisters, Barbara (Sam) Stephens of Marshall, Donna (Robert) Clutter of Battle Creek, Marcella (Joe) Stephens of Marshall; and brothers, Melvin (Linda) Cole of Ceresco, Dennis (Mary) Cole, Delmar Cole, Michael (Susie) Cole, and Matthew (Karen) Cole all of Marshall.He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Chelmer.Visitation will take place at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home, 723 US 27 North, Marshall, on Sunday, March 16, 2014 from 1-7pm with family present to greet friends from 1-3pm and 5-7pm. Funeral services celebrating his life will take place on Monday, March 17, 2014 at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home with Reverend Richard Schlee officiating. Family will gather with friends following the funeral services at the Fredonia Township Hall, 8803 17 Mile Road, Marshall. A private family interment will take place at a later date. Family requests memorial contributions be made to the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital. Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Funeral Home.