Roy Clarence Coles passed away in the Galloway Hospital, Anthony, Kans., at the age of 81 years, 1 month and nine days.His passing was not unexpected as his condition had been critical for several days and his recovery pronounced hopeless.
He was born April 24, 1880, in Russellville, Ky. He was the son of Epperson Bandy Coles and Helena Coles. He came with his parents and three brothers, Edward Jackson of Freedom, Okla., John Pierce, of Enid, Okla., and Robert, now deceased, to Kansas and settled in Kiowa, Kans.
He came to Coldwater in October, 1884. On October 11, 1905, he was united in marriage with Winnifred Kimple, by whom he is survived. They had the pleasure of celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary, October 11, 1960.
Clarence was a charter member of the Coldwater Lion's Club.
He built and later bought the stock holders share in the first telephone system in Coldwater and Rural Coldwater. He operated this system for many years.
He also owned the first Livestock Sales Co., in Coldwater, moving out later to the present location of the Coldwater Sales Company, where he retained his stock for quite some time.
A lover of horses he always kept a supply on hand to buy, sell or trade.
He will be missed by the children over town for he always let them ride his horses. He always enjoyed the pleasures of others.
The funeral service was held in the Presbyterian church and was conducted by Rev. Carl Grondorf. The organist was Miss Jacqulyn Vance. Mrs. Frank Weber sang a solo, "Shadows." A duet, Mrs. Harold Herd and Mrs. Don Robinson, sang "In the Garden."
Pallbearers were Horace Rich, Vernon Pepperd, Bill Steele, Bob Glichrist, L. G. Whitzel and Victor Burton.
Honorary pallbearers were Otha Landess, Bill Darroch, Albert Oller, Fred Robbins, Joe Darroch, Monroe Tucker, Jacob Reiss, Jr. and Melvin Parcel.
Many beautiful floral offerings were received as tokens of the esteem in which the deceased was held and the large attendance at the service shows the high esteem in which he was held in the community.
Interment was made in the Crown Hill cemetery, Coldwater.
"There is a world above where parting is unknown,
A whole Eternity of love, where God awaits his own.
And faith beholds the dying here
Translated to that happier sphere."
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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