Thomas Roy Cole

Published in Flint Journal from 6/18 to 6/22/2009

COLE, Thomas Roy - Of Flint, age 78, died Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at Genesys Regional Medical Center.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, June 22, 2009, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 1227 East Bristol Road, Burton, Father Tim MacDonald and Father Paul Schwermer concelebrating.

Burial in New Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church or Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute. Mr. Cole will be at the church from 10 a.m. Monday until the time of the Mass.

Thomas was born in Flint on November 28, 1930 the son of the late Roy and Alexine (Gregory) Cole. Tom graduated from St. Michael's High School, Class of 1948 and Western Michigan University in 1952.

He pitched for Western Michigan in the College World Series in 1952. On July 31, 1954, he married Patricia Curtin in Flint. Tom served his country in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955 during the Korean Conflict.

Tom pitched 4 summers in the Minor League Baseball System with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

He was a physical education teacher and Community School Director for the Flint Schools as well as a Physical Education, Recreation and Athletic Consultant.

Tom was the Flint Baseball Commissioner for 25 years. He was a founding member of the Flint Sports Old Timers and co-founder of the Greater Flint Hockey Association. He was appointed director of the City of Flint Parks and Recreation Department from 1990-1991.

He was inducted into the Western Michigan University Sports Hall of Fame in 1989 and Greater Flint Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. Tom was also a member of the Flint Elks #222, where he was named Elk of the year in 2009.

Surviving are wife, Patricia Cole; children, Mary Cole of Flint, Patty Cole of Alpena, Theresa (Bill) Lowendick of Cincinnati, Margaret (David) Ellis of Seattle, Thomas J. Cole of Muskegon and Jim Cole of Flint; grandchildren, Sarah, Michael and Gabe Lowendick, Jonatha n, Benjamin, Shaina and Andrew Ellis; brother, Richard (Arlene) Cole; aunts, Louise and Helen Gregory; many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends and neighbors. Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com.