Lowell Cole

Long time Athens County resident and local educator, Lowell Cole, died peacefully Thursday, November 21st, 2013 at The Pickering House in Lancaster, Ohio. His family was by his side. He was preceded in death by his wife, June, his parents, Everett and Eva Cole and his sister, Edith Cole. He is survived by his loving daughter, Sharon Stufflebean and his devoted son-in-law, Jerry Stufflebean. Also surviving are his grandchildren who brought much joy to his life and his great-grandchildren who were each a little lagniappe (French for a small gift!) of delight for him. His sister Wanda Bush (Joe) also survive as do his many nieces, nephews and friends whom he enjoyed and loved.


He was accepted into Columbia University in New York City, but the call of southern Ohio was too strong for him so he began his education at Ohio University. He earned his Bachelor and his Masters Degrees from Ohio University. Doctoral work was done at The Ohio State University and at Indiana University. He was a member of the Educational Honoraries of Kappa Delta Pi and Phi Delta Kapplan.

Lowell had forty years of public school experience including teacher, coach, principal and superintendent. His 1952 Nelsonville High School Basketball team was runner-up in the state tournament. His 1955/1956 football team lost only one game and Lowell was selected SEOAL Coach of the Year.

For sixty-nine years Lowell had been a member of Christ Community Wesleyan Church. He was a charter member of the Nelsonville Lion’s Club and Past President of Rotary International. He was the Past President of SEO Principal’s Association, and he was a life member of The Salvation Army Advisory Board. He was a past member of the Athens County Children’s Service Board and was a member of Gideon’s International. He was inducted into the Athens High School Hall of Fame, and in keeping with his love of sports, each fall, until his health began to fail, he was a Red Coat for the OSU Buckeye’s football team.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00PM, Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at the Christ Community Wesleyan Church, 6275 Kenney Memorial Lane, Albany with Pastor Denver Dodrill and Pastor Christopher Stufflebean officiating. Interment will be at Athens Memory Gardens, Albany. Friends may call Monday from 3-8 PM at the Souers-Cardaras Funeral Home, 46 Fayette St., Nelsonville and one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International, Gideons of Athens County, PO Box 1051, Athens, Ohio 45701, Christ Community Wesleyan Church, 6275 Kenney Memorial Lane, Albany, Ohio 45710 or the Nelsonville High School Alumni Scholarship Fund, PO Box 472, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764 in the name of June and Lowell Cole.