William "Bill" Cole

William "Bill" Cole, 80, of Olivet, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at home surrounded by his loving family.  

He was born on December 31, 1943 to Jason and Emma (Patrick) Cole in Marshall Township, Michigan. He graduated from Marshall High School.

On August 18, 1963, Bill married Altha in Marshall, Michigan. After a few odd jobs out of high school, Bill started working at Air-Way Manufacturing on September 4, 1963 as a machinist and after 42 years, he retired on December 31, 2005.

Bill was an avid fisherman, especially with Altha on Silver Lake near Baldwin, Michigan. He was an excellent woodworker, crafting trinket boxes, birdhouses and candy dishes. Everyone in the family loved their special wooden gifts from Bill. Bill enjoyed watching old westerns, NASCAR and game shows, especially Jeopardy and Wheel Fortune.

Bill is survived by his loving spouse of 60 years Altha, his children, William "Bill" (Karly) L. Cole of Olivet, Michigan, Kevin J. Cole of Olivet, Michigan and Sheila (Steve) M. Bigley of Taftville, Connecticut; his grandchildren, Julia Lehner, Cherylee Parsons, John Parsons, Robert (Kendra) Cole, Sarah (Larry) Cole and Colton Cole; his 11 great grandchildren; his brothers, Jerry Cole of Olivet, Michigan, Philip (Judy) Cole of Perry, Michigan and Helen Kennedy of Gainesville, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson Chase Cole, his 7 sisters and 4 brothers.

A Celebration of Life for Bill will be held at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the Centrica Care Navigators (7100 Stadium Dr. Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009).

Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 723 US Hwy 27 N Marshall, Michigan 49068. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.