Roll Call Tribute

Robert H. "Bob" Cole 

January 25, 1944 - March 27, 2025 

Robert “Bob” H. Cole passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025, surrounded by his family in Midland, Texas. He was 81 years old.

Bob was born in Jasper, Texas—only because the nearby town of Newton, where his family lived, did not have a hospital. He was raised in a military family, the son of Maj. Robert S. Cole and Janice Cole, and lived in many places including Germany and Panama. He would go on to continue the tradition of service and discipline that marked his early years.

A proud graduate of Texas A&M University, Bob was a member of the Corps of Cadets from 1962–1966. After completing his undergraduate studies, he served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968. He later returned to Texas A&M and earned a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering in 1970. Bob also held an MBA in Business Administration.

In the fall of 1968, Bob met Julie at the Texas A&M student center. They married on April 4, 1969, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in faith, service, and family. They lived in Houston for ten years, where Bob worked for Gulf Oil before relocating to Midland in October 1980 to join a new oil venture.

Over the years, Bob’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to found several businesses, including Permian Business Group, Custom Computers, Stadium Chair Company, Aplex, and New Horizons Computer Learning Center. He was also the founder of American Heritage Cemetery Funeral Home Crematory with his son David Cole, leaving a lasting impact on the Midland community.

Bob was known for his sharp mind, unwavering dependability, and frugal spirit. A “numbers guy” to the core, he kept meticulous records, did countless tax returns for free, and brought that same diligence to every ministry, business, and person he supported.

He was deeply devoted to a Christian ministry, serving the "men in white", Kairos Prison Ministry where he served from 1995 onward in numerous leadership roles, especially within the Wallace Unit in Colorado City. He later served on the board of Stepping Stone, a halfway house that evolved into a full church community.

Though not always expressive with words, Bob showed his love through action. He never missed a school play, sporting event, or recital. He raised two adopted children—David and Karen—as his own, and was a steady presence in the lives of his grandchildren. If Bob said he’d do something, you could count on it. He was a do-er, a teacher, and a man of deep faith and conviction.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 56 years, Julie Cole; his sister Carolyn Phillips of Virginia; his two children, David Cole (Rebekah) and Karen Lawrence (Todd); and his four grandchildren, Jonathan Cole, Daniel Cole, Reese Beall, and Everett Simons. He also leaves behind his nephew Steven Phillips (Abby), niece Susan Smith (Kevin), extended family, countless friends, and many men whose lives he touched through ministry and mentorship.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Janice Cole; and his brother-in-law Elmo Phillips, as well as by his father-in-law, Crosley Curtis Reese, and his mother in law, Malone Ezell Reese, whom he loved dearly.

The funeral service will take place at First Methodist Church of Midland in the chapel on Thursday, April 3, at 2:00 p.m., with military honors provided. A private interment will follow.