Vernald Cole's Obituary
Vernald “Vern” Cole, age 79, of Remus, Michigan, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on June 12, 2025, in Lansing, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on Christmas Eve, 1945, in Detroit to Bethel Cole and Eula Combs, Vern had a life full of stories, laughter, and good old-fashioned hard work.
Vern was never one to sit still. Over the years, he wore many hats: a Ford factory worker, poultry butcher, and even a well-known vendor at Detroit’s Eastern Market, where he sold honey and eggs from the Amish with a smile and a story for everyone who walked by. If you ever bought eggs from Vern, you probably got a sermon and a joke in the same transaction.
In 1964, he married the love of his life, Judy Burke, and the two began their family in the Detroit area. Later, they moved to Remus, where Vern built something lasting—Cole Tire—a business that became not just a local staple, but a family affair. When he wasn’t turning wrenches or talking tires, he was tending to his cattle, helping on the farm, or hunting in the Michigan woods.
Vern loved animals, adored his grandkids, and especially enjoyed taking them to church with him. A devout Christian, Vern was an active member of Mecosta “The Village” Free Methodist Church, always eager to share the Good News and lend a helping hand—or an earful of wisdom—to anyone who needed it.
Street-smart, stubborn in all the right ways, and always quick with a quip, Vern had a way of lighting up a room without even trying. He believed in working hard, helping others, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures—like going to the beach at School Section Lake or grilling up something fresh for a family get-together.
Left to carry on his stories and spirit are his children, Lonny (Pam) Cole, Karen (Mark) Snyder, Larry (April) Cole, and Wendy (Matt) Newville; son-in-law, Robert Snider; siblings, Betty, Dennis, Vance, Bernice, and Rolland; 17 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.
He was reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife, Judy; his daughter, Kathy Snider, his parents, and brothers, Leon and Ricky.
Visitation will take place Wednesday, June 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Janowicz Family Funeral Home in Remus. A funeral service to celebrate Vern’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, at The Mecosta “The Village” Free Methodist Church, with a luncheon to follow (because no Cole family event ends without food and laughter).
Memorial contributions may be directed to the church Vern loved so much. Envelopes will be available at the visitation and service.
Vern’s legacy is one of faith, family, and a whole lot of elbow grease. He’ll be missed—but never forgotten.
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