Edward Cole, 84, went to be with his Lord and Savior Nov. 17, 2015 He was born in St. Louis, Mo July 17, 1931, to Saxon Cole Sr. and Mary Porter Moore Cole. Ed held a Geological Engineering degree from Washington University, in St. Louis and an MBA in Business from Harvard University. He served two years in the U.S. Army at Army Chemical Center in Maryland. After retiring from TransAmerica Corp. as a Systems Analyst, he moved to Empire, Mi. Ed was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Maple City, Mi. and was a devout Christian and an avid student of the Bible. Ed's passion for growing Rhododendrons led to his surrounding his home and property with as many different varieties as possible. He also planted an amazing array of different evergreens from all over the world. A gracious host, he welcomed a very large family to visit any time they wished, summer being the most popular. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved Grandmother, Jane Porter Moore, and one brother, Rodney Cole. He is survived by six siblings. Mary Jane Yaeger, Saxon Cole Jr., Thomas Cole (Sue), all of St. Louis, Mo., William Cole (Alexandra), of Seneca, SC, Henry Cole (Marty) of Washburn, Wi. , and Harriett Cole Bradford, of Onekama, Mi. He is also survived by 15 nieces and nephews, and 33 great nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. There will be a memorial gathering for family and friends in the summer of 2016. Details have yet to be determined. Memorial gifts may be given to the local food pantry or the charity of choice. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Ed's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.