Delbert Melvin Cole

Delbert Melvin Cole, 87, of Walla Walla, entered eternal rest in Christ’s love, surrounded by family on October 19, 2023, at Providence St. Mary Medical Center.

Delbert was born on February 23, 1936, to Dorsey and Leona Cole in Walla Walla. The Cole family lived on a wheat ranch near the family homestead in Rulo, located in rural Walla Walla.

Delbert and Mary Ann Carle married on September 7, 1956. They had three children: Lora (Crawford), Darren, and Greg. He met Mary Ann when his parents moved to Walla Walla so that he could attend Pioneer Middle School and Walla Walla High School. Delbert and Mary Ann were married for 67 years and inseparable for a total of 74 years.

Delbert attended Eastern Washington University shortly after graduating from Walla Walla High School in 1955. He started his career with Continental Can Company, which later became Crown, Cork, and Seal. He worked in and often oversaw warehouse operations during his tenure. Delbert retired in 1998 after 42 years of service. He was active in the company Veterans Club.

Delbert was a member of Walla Walla Presbyterian Church. He was committed to his faith and the church. He enjoyed the music and had a special place in his heart for Pastor Albert. He had hundreds of friends and always left a positive impact on everyone he met. All will miss him. You could always see Delbert watching the Seahawks on any Sunday during football season. He held season tickets for years and attended all home games. His Superbowl parties were memorable, with plenty of great food! Over the years, dozens of dogs and cats were amongst Delbert’s favorite companions. His Whippet, “Snickers,” is missing him terribly.

Delbert was an avid skier, introducing his children to the sport as youngsters. He was a long-time member of the Spout Springs Ski Patrol. Family ski trips to Anthony Lakes will be forever in our memories. Over the years, he worked in several ski shops in Walla Walla and Spokane. Delbert was also active in FFA during his high school years. He raised award-winning steers, attending shows and competitions statewide and nationally.

Delbert was an expert shooter and won top honors with the Walla Walla High School rifle team. He also excelled as a rifle team member while matriculating at EWU. His father would take him to the shooting range as a child, and he would often outscore most grown men, to their amazement!

Delbert helped his father-in-law (Art Carle) with his HVAC business, mastering the trade in his spare time. He also enjoyed working with leather and doing home projects. He always made birthdays, holidays, and family dinners the best! He is legendary for the large batches of potato salad he would make for these events! He assisted children and grandchildren with school projects, Boy Scouts, sports activities, newspaper routes, 4-H, Pioneer Posse, Walla Walla Fair Court, and other activities. He led a life of service and was always willing to help anyone at any time. He did this with patience and understanding, always remaining amazingly calm, even in the most stressful situations. He was a role model to be reckoned with. He had a great historical memory and served as a resource for all. He always had an answer about any topic of discussion. There is no better husband or dad than Delbert! Despite his busy schedule, he always had time for his family.

Delbert and Mary Ann enjoyed traveling and took many trips to the far reaches of the globe. Destinations included Canada, Germany, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Amsterdam, Holland, Italy, and the Middle East. They also took frequent trips to the East Coast, Hawaii, Oregon Coast, and Leavenworth.

Delbert is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Cole; daughter, Lora Crawford and Russ Crawford (grandchildren Dr. Katherine  Crawford and Patrick Crawford); son, Darren Cole and Delia Duran (grandchildren, Andrea Kerr (great-grandchildren, Kaden, Arabella, and Xander) and grandson, Derek Cole); son, Greg Cole and Jennine Cole (granddaughter, Melissa Bowe and Patrick Bowe (great-grandchildren, Riley, Blake, and Joslyn), grandson, Andrew Cole, grandson, Tanner Cole and Stephanie Cole (great-grandchildren, Scarlet, Harlow, and Rowley); granddaughter, Miranda Cole and Seth Kimball (great-granddaughter, Harper Kimball).

Delbert was preceded in death by his parents, Dorsey and Leona Cole, and sister, Sherra Cole.

Visitation will be Wednesday, November 1, 2023, from 3:00 – 6:00 PM at The Chapel of Herring Funeral Home. Interment will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Mountain View Cemetery, 2120 S 2nd Ave, Walla Walla, followed by the Funeral Service at 12:00 PM at Walla Walla Presbyterian Church, 325 S 1st Ave, Walla Walla,with Pastor Albert Gillin officiating.

Pallbearers will be Greg Cole, Andrew Cole, Tanner Cole, Patrick Crawford, Kaden Kerr, and Darren Cole.

Donations in memory of Delbert Cole may be made to the Blue Mountain Humane Society of Walla Walla through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.