Thomas Ferguson Cole

Thomas Ferguson Cole, of Batavia, Ohio, died Tuesday July 17, 2018 at the age of 83. He was born in Camden, New Jersey, on July 5, 1935. Devoted son of Floyd Howard Cole and Georgiana Ferguson Cole, he is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, June Ann Kleinjohn Cole, his beloved daughters, J. (Jennifer) Brook Cole, Sarah (Sally) Ferguson Cole McCartney (Paul), his adored granddaughters Molly Ferguson and Audrey Tuttle McCartney, his sisters-in-law Susan Bruton Cole and Jane (Hennig) Crawford. He was preceded in death by his brother David Ferguson Cole (Susan). Mr. Cole was a graduate of Withrow High School (1954) and the University of Cincinnati Class (1960), with a B.S. in Architecture. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Mr. Cole was co-founder (with John R. Russell) of the architecture firm Cole and Russell Architects (Cole + Russell Architects, C+RA, C/R Architecture now known as CR Architecture + Design). He was a steadfast partner and mentor to many who continue in the practice of Architecture. A long-time community volunteer, he was awarded the Community Chest's Man of the Year, Batavia Township's Volunteer of the Year, and received the 5/3rd' Bank's Advisory Forum award. Mr. Cole enjoyed playing Santa Clause for needy children with Clermont Mercy Hospital's Sugar Plum Kids holiday celebration. Serving as a board member and chairman, Mr. Cole gave 42 years of service to the Batavia Township Zoning board. He was a long-time member and board chairman of Clermont County Senior Services. A proud Rotarian and Past President of Batavia Rotary Club, Mr. Cole had a twenty-five-year perfect attendance record and attended Rotary meetings in countries he visited around the world. As a world traveler, he reveled in the photographs he took of amazing places such as Turkey, New Zealand, Libya, Scotland, Tahiti, Galapagos Islands, and Brazil. He loved his role as a weekend farmer and he enjoyed stories of his 'girls' and their horsey endeavors. He was known for his strong work ethic, his love of Gilbert & Sullivan, cocktail hour with a classic gin & tonic, scheduling luncheons with friends & fine dining adventures. Visitation will be held Saturday 7-21-18 at the Moore Family Funeral Homes, 225 Spring Street, Batavia, Ohio 45103, from 9:30 AM to 11 AM, with graveside services 11:30 AM at the Batavia Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Clermont Senior Citizens or Rotary International.