Glen Howard Cole

My dad made the great transition from his earthly body Saturday, February 5, 2022. It pains me to have to let some of you know this way as I know he was a bright shining light in this world for his family and friends. He served as a reflection for all of us of keeping childlike wonder, joy, kindness, and curiosity despite chronological age.

Through thick and thin there was never a day that I doubted his love for me. As a kid he never said no to playing. There was never a game missed, a pass not thrown, an explanation not provided. Speaking of explanations… His brilliance shined through the simplicity with which he explained complex ideas. I learned more from him about advanced physics while caulking and painting the interior of houses during the summers of my youth than I did through multiple courses at university.

Always the thinker he perpetually discovered new ways to do things. In the 80s and 90s he was using ozone to purify water well before it was common practice. In the 00s he began working on a theory for alternative energy production. He read every book and article he could find on the subject. Every few weeks I would get a call or text explaining some new technique he was so excited about unlocking the potential for a renewable energy source.

I’ll have to study his journals and notes for many years to come, and it’s likely I’ll still not be close to his level of understanding on the subject. I’m not sure if he ever would have produced it for the purpose he intended, but I know this — his pursuit of a dream never faded a day in his life. His perpetual energy source was his own creativity and love.

When my kids came along he was right there in his late 60s crawling and jumping on the floor next to them just like no time had passed since he did so with me some 30 years earlier.

I could wax poetic about his spirit, kindness, and integrity for days and weeks and never come close to capturing his essence. Instead I’ll just ask that you take a moment to reflect on how he made you feel.

The best lesson he ever taught me wasn’t one of his eloquent explanations. It was that having hope and some love in your heart are all you need to keep getting up in the morning regardless of circumstances.

If I end up being 1/20 of the dad to my kids as he was to me, they’ll have one of the best dads who ever lived. If you’re reading this you know what I mean. And if you’re reading this and knew him, he probably loved you too just because you were my friend. Heaven better have a golf course because I’m going to need a good long walk so he can explain how everything works once I get there.

This love and support wasn't an isolated incident. He shared it with all who knew him. Though he was preceded in death by both his parents, Mary and Earl Cole, as well as his daughter Amanda "Bunny" Carpenter, he carried their love with him everywhere.

The same was true for his brothers and their wives and children. He regarded Larry and Jeanne Cole, Randy and Jeanne Cole, and Kevin and Deb Cole as his best friends throughout his life. He spoke of their children and grandchildren with the same admiration and reverence as his own. Charlotte, Steven and Monica, Zane and Marie, Crystal and Tony, Candi and Khalil were at the forefront of his stories. From academic accolades, athletic prowess, acts of kindness, career advancements, illnesses, and the trials and tribulations that make up this beautiful thing we call life, everyone who knew him knew how proud he was of his family.

Lexie, Rex, Finley, Sloan, Tallis, Gavin, Corbin, Nicole, Carter, Cason, Luke, Zoe, Christopher, and Juniper were probably the most special people to him. Glen's ability to connect with children and elicit their indelible uniqueness was unparalleled -- as though his mission in life was to play with and instill confidence in kids.

In addition to those family members listed above, myself, Chris, and my wife Jessica, my sister Jamie and her husband Mark, Bill Doug, Sabin, Michael and Emily, Bryan, Zack and Bart, Barry, Joyce and James, Warren, Matt, or any of the myriad people whose lives intersected with his were most definitely not only remembered but revered and immortalized in his stories. At this point you may think I'm beginning to embellish for the sake of ceremony, and I know that no one is without fault, but any shortcomings were certainly outweighed by the heart and soul of a man who truly loved us all unconditionally. May you all have peace knowing his was a live well lived.

His services will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 10am CST at Skyvue Funeral Home located at 7220 FM 1187 Mansfield, TX 76063.