Charles Cole

Charles Robert Cole, 88, of Bath Township died peacefully on Thursday, March 19, 2015 after a 12 year battle with dementia.
Born October 23, 1926 in Oliphant Furnace, Pennsylvania; he was the son of Charles Benjamin and Elfleda (Guthrie) Cole, he lived the rest of his life in Akron, Ohio.
He graduated from West High School in 1944 and attended Ohio University briefly while enlisted in the U.S. Army (participating in a military program there). Then he served in World War II in the Pacific Theater.
He worked at the B.F. Goodrich Co. after the war and earned a degree in Industrial Management from the University of Akron. He remained at B.F. Goodrich after graduation, held management positions, and became the company's telecommunications specialist until his retirement.
To the family, he was known as "Bob", at work, he went by "Charlie". Bob married Eilene Fought in 1953; she was a 4th grade teacher at Sawyerwood Elementary School in Springfield Township, where his mother taught 3rd grade.
Bob and Eilene had three girls, and in 1964 to 1965, he spent one year working nights and weekends building his own house, where he lived until his death.
He spent his retirement doing what he liked best, building things, fixing things, repairing his cars, and working in the yard. In the earlier years, he and his wife cared for three of their elderly parents and an aunt.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Ronald. He is survived by his wife Eilene; daughters: Gail Cole of Copley, Judy (Harry) Afram of Rockford, Ill., and Donna Cole of Bath; three grandchildren; and four nephews.
When Bob had to rely more and more on his wife, he began calling her his "hero". The family would like to thank all of the care-givers over the past two years, especially Carol and Kim, who helped make it possible for Bob to remain in his home.
Graveside services will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2015, at 1:30PM at Rose Hill Burial Park.
(Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel 330-867-4141).