Thomas Edison Cole

Thomas Edison Cole passed away peacefully on March 7, 2018 at Summit Regional Medical Center, in Show Low, AZ. He was born September 23, 1928 in Boonton, New Jersey, to Jacob E. and Hannah M (Buis) Cole. He was the older of two children.

Tom was an AP in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict in the early 1950s. He was stationed at Davis Monthan AFB in Tucson which brought him to Arizona, where he spent the remainder of his life.

He was extremely talented, thereby having several careers throughout his life. He was a Master Machinist, Superior Mechanic, & Lumberjack (how he loved the woods). He drilled Water Wells with his son, James. He and his wife, Helen, owned a trailer park in Pinetop, AZ and a Broasted Chicken Restaurant in Tucson, AZ.  Tom also owned bowling Pro Shops and worked at Show Low Bowl.

He was a very active man. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, motorcycles, golf, racing, and his cats. Bowling was his passion. He started out as a young boy, setting pins, before the days of automation. This grew into a lifelong love of the game, which earned him many awards, including a 300 game and an 804 series. He would mentor all those who wanted his help. He was truly loved, admired and a friend to all.

Tom is survived by his wife, Helen; daughters, Susan Hancock, Brenda Dodge, Barbara O’Neil, and Sandra Mendez; sons, James Tanner, Jerry Toner & Billy Toner; 22 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren.

A Memorial service with Military Honors will be held in his honor on Sunday, March 25, 2018, beginning at 1:00 pm at Ponderosa Bowling Lanes, 5249 Hwy 260, Lakeside, AZ.