Hugh Audas Cole

Hugh Audas Cole, 93 of Mentor, OH (formerly of St. Charles, IL), passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 19, 2018 at Atria Newell Creek Senior Living in Mentor. He was born December 14, 1924 in Utica, NY to Aden and Frances (Audas) Cole. Hugh served in the US Army during WWII (Company D, 25th Battalion, Infantry Replacement Training Center) from 1943-1946 and the Korean Conflict (Company C, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division) from 1950-1951. Subsequently, he worked in various capacities at Moline Corporation in St. Charles, IL for 32 years, retiring as their purchasing manager in 1987. On June 20, 1953, Hugh married his sweetheart, Virginia, who he met on a blind date. He would go on to tell this story for 64 happy years, until her death in October 2017. He will be forever remembered for the myriad of fun faces he made while playing with his grand and great-grandchildren, for the many joyful little songs he composed, and for his selfless devotion to his adoring family. Hugh was very active in the Congregational United Church of Christ in St. Charles, IL. Among the many activities he enjoyed throughout his life, he was a member of the Fox Valley Astronomical Club and the Kane County Clean Streams Committee. He served as an election judge for Kane County Precinct 20 and sat on the board of directors for the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce. He was very proud to have held a membership in and be a past president of the BOYS Club (Benevolent Order of Youthful Seniors). Most importantly, Hugh had a passion for and was very active in many Masonic fraternal organizations. He started as a youth in the DeMolay in 1942. As a Senior DeMolay and Master Mason, he received the Legion of Honor in 1994. He was a Past Master of Geneva Lodge #139 AF&AM and Past Patron of Geneva Chapter #952 Order of the Eastern Star. While residing in Ohio, he attended Willoughby Lodge #302. In York Rite Masonry, he presided over the Fox River Chapter #14 RAM, James C Lovig Sr. Council #130, and Sycamore Commandery #15, which resulted in him receiving the Knight of York Cross of Honor in 2010. He was also a life member of Aurora Commandery #22, Aurora Council #45, and Illinois #15 YRSC, where he received the Order of the Purple Cross in 2004. As a Scottish Rite Mason, he was a member of the Valley of Chicago Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, receiving the prestigious Meritorious Service Award (MSA) in 1986 and the 33rd degree in 1997. He also has the unique distinction of being named a Class Honoree two times. Hugh served in many capacities and on many committees for the Grand Lodge of IL, York Rite, Scottish Rite and belonged to many Masonic Research societies. He was a prolific writer, authoring many articles, papers, plays, presentations, and three manuscripts about the Craft. He received numerous other honors and awards for distinguished service from all the bodies of Masonry that he belonged to, earning him the exclusive "Can't Say No" award, given to him by Grand Master J. Gary Burr in 1999. Hugh is survived by his daughters, Wendy (Timothy) Herrick and Lucinda (David Lusk) Cole; grandchildren, Jennifer Moran, Amanda (Eric) O’Neill, Matthew (Heather) Moran, Angela (David) Nagy, Thomas Herrick, Sarah Lusk and Megan Lusk; great-grandchildren, Braeden Saunders, Zachary O’Neill and Maya O’Neill; and many other loving family members. Preceding him in death are his devoted wife, Virginia (Crist) Cole; loving son, Timothy Scott Cole; his parents; and sisters, Frances V. Cole Maltby and Serrella L. Cole Sullivan. A Memorial Service for Hugh and Virginia Cole is scheduled for Saturday, October 13th at 3:00 PM at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 40W451 Fox Mill Blvd, St. Charles, IL, 60175 In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve 17876 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland 44110-2602, donate online at www.hospicewr.org or the Association for Individual Development in Aurora, IL at www.aidcares.org. Arrangements entrusted to the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave. Mentor, OH 44060. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

Hugh Audas Cole

December 14, 1924 - August 19, 2018