Larry Cole Obituary

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Larry James Cole, who was called to his heavenly home on March 20, 2025. He was born on September 29,1942 to Jerome and Mary Lue Cole in Fort Worth, Texas. Larry's life was one filled with dedication, passion, and love for those around him.
Larry grew up in Grapevine before moving to Denton, Texas with his family. Like any good East Texas boy, he loved playing in the dirt with his brothers and friends. He enjoyed singing in the church choir, playing Little League baseball, Boy Scouts, beginning his lifelong hobby of amateur radio and playing trumpet in high school and university bands. He met many notable musicians along the way, such as Rafael Mendez and Van Clyburn who influenced his dedication and continued pursuit of his musical craft.
Larry pursued his love of music and teaching throughout his life earning a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Education in Public School Administration from the University of North Texas. He began his career as a band teacher and, later, served as a high school principal. As a man who never met a stranger, he was drawn to insurance sales, meeting and helping a variety of people from all walks of life. Throughout this time, his trumpet was a constant companion. Among others, he was a member of Symphony North of Houston, Houston Sinfonietta, Houston Brass Band and until recently, Cypress Symphonic Band, joyfully playing through his 80's.
While serving in the US Army in 1966, Larry met his wife and lifelong love, Bernadette, in New York City, asking for her hand in marriage the very next day after a walk in Central Park. On August 19, 1967, Larry and Bernadette married in New Haven, Connecticut where he was welcomed by a large and loving Italian-American family. For two people of different cultural heritages, they seamlessly blended their lives. Holidays were often celebrated with both lasagna and cornbread dressing creating a perfect fusion. Larry and Bernadette's marriage of fifty-seven years blessed them with three children, Stephanie and husband, Douglas McGuire, Matthew and wife, Denise Cole, and Daniel and wife, Darla Cole. He cherished his grandchildren Joanna O'Keefe, Alexandra McGuire, Nicholas McGuire, and Sophia Cole. Larry is survived by his brother, Lynn David Cole and a number of nieces and nephews. Larry was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Jerry G. Cole.
We will always remember Larry's sincere and genuine love for family, friends and strangers alike shown through his kindness and boundless generosity. He will continue to inspire all who were blessed to share in his life.
Larry thoroughly enjoyed observing the formation of a wonderful new ensemble in Houston, The Magnolia City Brass Band. In honor of Larry's memory, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the band on their webpage, magnoliacitybb.org
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Larry, please visit our floral store.