Kenneth E. Cole

Kenneth “Ken” Cole of Silver Spring, MD, entered eternal rest on March 24, 2022, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  By his side was his devoted wife, Elizabeth “Liz” Cole, of twenty-three years. Ken was blessed to have a wonderful family including Marilyn, daughter (Bob), Anthony, son (Manlika); six grandchildren including Shayna (Stuart), Ricky, Britny (Austin), Ryan, Lexi and Brady; and four great-grandchildren including Sage, Beau, Luke and Caleb.

Ken was born on November 11, 1948, in the Belgium-Congo, Africa, while his parents served as missionaries.  The family returned to the United States and settled in Maine, where his only brother, Curtis Cole (Paula) was born.  The two brothers enjoyed an idyllic childhood in a small New England town setting. Ken started working at the young age of 13 delivering newspapers.  Many times, Ken described how he loved getting up on cold mornings where he was sometimes privileged to see the spectacular aurora borealis (Northern Lights) while on his newspaper route.  After graduating from college, he enlisted in the United States Air Force.  He served active duty for five years and then served the next 15 years in the Air National Guard in Maine.

After serving his country, Ken had several jobs, one of which included working for the Maine Children’s Home in Waterville, Maine.  In 1998, Ken moved to Maryland and worked the next 24 years at APS (American Physical Society, a professional organization for physicists) until he retired on December 31, 2018.  Ken enjoyed many hobbies including racquetball, long walks in nature, serving as a volunteer elections officer, singing baritone in a barbershop quartet and in retirement playing pickleball.  He also gained recognition for his self-taught photography skills and was the resident photographer at many events for friends and family. Ken was an active member of Liberty Grove United Methodist Church for 16 years and served on many committees.  During the Covid Pandemic, he enjoyed working in the Food Pantry helping the community.

During Ken’s illness, he was deeply touched by the generosity of so many church members, friends, neighbors and family members who stepped forward to help in so many ways and provided tremendous support.  Ken will be deeply missed by family, friends and all who knew him.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 2nd at 11:00 am at Liberty Grove United Methodist Church 15225 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, MD 20866

A live stream of the funeral service can be viewed on the Liberty Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page:

https://m.facebook.com/LibertyGroveUnitedMethodistChurch/

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Liberty Grove United Methodist Church (Building Fund)”:

https://libertygrove.churchcenter.com/giving