Claron G. Cole

Claron Glenn Cole, age 98 was born Dec. 29, 1913 to Ray D. and Edna M. Cole of Westphalia and Garnett. He lived his entire life in Garnett and was an educator in Anderson County for over 42 years. He graduated from Garnett High School in 1932 where he had taken teacher training his senior year and consequently took and passed the state teacher examination which allowed him to teach in rural schools. Claron taught for 7 years in rural one room schools while completing a "Life Certificate" degree in teaching from Pittsburg State University and later his under graduate degree in education at Ottawa University during summer school, night school and correspondence courses. He later completed his Master's in Education at Emporia State University. Claron became Principal and teacher at Longfellow Grade School and then, Irving Grade and JR. High School for a total of 15 years. He then accepted the position of Principal at Garnett High School, a position he proudly held for 20 years. On June 19, 1938 Claron married Treva R. Hill of Westphalia, Ks. Claron and Treva were married 67 years and she preceded him in death in 2005. Claron is survived by their children, Claron Mark, Gary Lantz, and Marilyn Rhue, their daughters and son-in-law Karen Cole, Missy Cole and Steven Kohn, their grandchildren Chelsea and Hilary Cole, Elizabeth Cole Huse, Lauren and David Kohn, and step grandchildren, Jeff O'Neil, Amber Hunter, and Garrett Crissup. Claron is survived by his brother Orville Cole and sister- in- law Laverne of Garnett, sister- in- law Marjorie Hill Smith of Lawrence and many nieces and nephews. His brother Roy and sister- in- law Marge Cole and brother- in-law Murray Smith preceded him in death. A few years into his teaching career, Claron served 3 years in the Army during WWII where he was assigned to a special training unit and achieved the rank of Sargent. The Secretary of War awarded him a Special Commendation for an educational program he developed that was implemented in basic training camps throughout the U.S. This program was used to teach illiterate soldiers (of which there were many in the 1940's) to read and write so that they could perform their duties. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge where he was recognized for 65 years of membership. He was a long time member of Rotary serving in many capacities including President. He is an Honorary member of FFA and believed greatly in young people and their futures. After retiring from teaching in 1978, Claron served two terms as Mayor of Garnett, several terms as City Commissioner and on the Garnett Housing Authority Board. During this time, he was very proud to be involved in the building of the Cedar Valley Reservoir and Park Plaza North housing. Claron was the oldest living member of The First Christian Church. He attended as a child with his mother, Edna, and became a member at age 13. He first became a Deacon in 1938 and then served throughout the years in almost every capacity from Teacher, to Sunday School Superintendent, to Elder and Church Trustee, serving in this last capacity until 2009. In 2002 he was honored by the congregation and given the title of "Elder Emeritus". Claron played the saxophone in the churches Praise Band into his early 90's. Claron is lovingly remembered by his family as "Dad ","Granddad", "Brother" and "Uncle" for his talent as a teacher, not only in school, but in everyday life. As a musician, playing clarinet and saxophone in dance bands in the early years and later on special occasions and in the Praise Band and Garnett Community Band. He is remembered for his love of horses and teaching all his children to ride and show and care for horses, the many summers spent traveling to various horse shows, the many trips enjoyed with Treva after retirement. He loved caring for his animals and taking his grandchildren for rides on the tractor and sharing with them aspects of "farm life" and the responsibility of taking good care of animals and property. And, he was well known by nearly everyone in town having had many in schools over the years know him as "Mr. Cole", their Teacher or Principal. But, most of all he will be remembered as a loving Father, Brother, Uncle or Granddad who was always supportive, encouraging and ready to give back of his love and time to his family and the community he grew up in and loved. He will be missed by all. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, on Wednesday, February 15, 2012, at the First Christian Church, Garnett. Burial to follow in the Garnett Cemetery. The family will be present to greet friends on Tuesday evening at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Claron G. Cole Memorial Fund at First Christian Church, Garnett.