Obituary of Joseph Cole

Joseph E. Cole, 83, of Freehold Township passed away on Friday, April 19, 2013 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. Joe was born in Clarksburg and had lived in Millstone Township before moving to Howell Township in 1955. In his youth, he drove a stock car at the Lakewood Racing Club. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a Combat Infantryman in the Korean War. Joe was awarded the Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars and the National Defense Service Medal among others. Joe was employed as a Motor Vehicle Operator at McGuire Air Force Base, Wrightstown until his retirement in 1988. At that time, he attended Brookdale Community College, Lincroft. He was a former Explorer Scoutmaster and Boy Scout Master, Troop #155, Freehold Township. Joe was a member of VFW Post 4374, Disabled American Veterans Post 74 and American Legion Post 54, all of Freehold. He was a devout member of the Immanuel Bible Church, Howell. Joe was predeceased by his parents, Harry Nathan Cole and Grace Thomas Cole; three sisters and three brothers. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn H. Cole and his son, William J. Cole, both of Howell. Visitation will be held at Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 from 2:00 to 4:00 & 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 10:00 AM funeral service at Immanuel Bible Church, 1244 West Farms Road, Howell on Wednesday, April 24, 2013, Pastor Joe Suozzo officiating. Interment to follow in Brigadier General Wm. C. Doyle NJ Veteran's Cemetery, Arneytown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joe's memory may be made to Immanuel Bible Church. For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com