“A Gentleman is one who puts more into the world than he takes out.” – George Bernard Shaw

On September 20, 2020 , William “Bill” Cole, age 89, returned to his Heavenly Father and his loving wife, Luella, who preceded him in death. Bill was born, May 16, 1931, in Cumberland, Kentucky, to his parents Homer Evans Cole and Lucy Manila Southard, they also had three other sons and one daughter.
During his youth Bill found his love of animals, especially horses, and wanted to be a “cowboy, so at the age of 16 he left his family home to work full time on a ranch, riding fence line and working with horses and cattle. Two years later, Bill enlisted in the Air Force and was trained as a Fireman, stationed in Germany during the Korean War. After his four year enlistment, Bill was honorably discharged. Upon returning to California he rekindled a wonderful friendship with Luella Segur who he married. Their marriage was sealed in the Los Angeles Temple and Luella’s sons, Ike and Eric, whom Bill regarded as his own, were sealed to them. Their marriage remained strong and loving for 48 years until Luella’s passing.
During Bills lifetime he had quite the diversity in his work life. He went to Dental school and made dentures for a living until becoming a truck driver and joining the Teamsters Union in California. After many years driving a truck Bill retired and moved to Kanab, Utah where he owned BC Fabric store. Bill was a people person and everyone loved him and his store. Bill was known for always being a gentleman, it was just one of the many reasons he was so well loved by the Kanab community.
Bill enjoyed many hobbies in life, carving wood birds and making jewelry but he also loved children and animals. One of the highlights of his life was being able to ride horse back in Kanab’s Western Legends Roundup. The last year he rode in the parade was 2017, it was in a wagon, as you can imagine he was not a happy camper about that.
Over the years Bills service to his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was extremely dear to him. He loved being a Home Teacher and greeting everyone on Sunday mornings with a cheerful smile and hello. In his early years in California Bill also served as a Sunday School Teacher, Counselor in Three Elders Quorum Presidencies, Stake Missionary and Counselor in the Bishopric.
Bill’s surviving family is niece, Beverly Yates of El Monte, CA and his foster daughter, Lynda Gorter of Aroyo Grande, CA. Bill also leaves his dear and loving friend, Kathleen “Kay” Birmingham of Kanab, Utah. Bill & Kay met through their stores being next to each other, The Déjà Vue and his first store, The Cozy Ewe yarn shop, they became best friends over their 13 year friendship. Kay, true to her nature, took care of Bill up until the time of his passing. The friendship they shared will always be very dear to her.
We would like to thank the Beehive Home for all their loving care of Bill, for the 3 ½ years he called it home and also our appreciation to the Mosdell family for their kindness and sympathy.
A memorial service will take place, Saturday, September, 26, 2020 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 20 W. Center St, Kanab, UT at 6 pm. Per Bill’s wishes his ashes will be interned next to his wife, Luella, in Glendora, CA.
Bill has requested that any donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, in memory of himself and his wife, Luella, who both were affected by this terrible disease. Donation information: Alzheimer’s Association Utah Chapter, 12894 S. Pony Express Road, Suite, 300, Draper, UT 84020 or at alz.org