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Richard Cole Obituary

Richard Cole

Richard Cole, Kansas University professor emeritus of philosophy, died peacefully at home after a long illness on April 2, 2013, at age 83. Plans for a memorial service in May are pending.

Richard Cole was born on Oct. 28, 1929, in Evanston, IL, to Harry and Bertha Slavitt Cole. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marjorie Emerson Cole; his brother, Arthur Cole; his sister, Muriel Treadwell; his three children, Mark Cole, Wendy Ashlock, and Aletha Musser; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Growing up during the Great Depression, Richard helped support his family by repairing radios. He continued this work while serving in the U.S. Army in the early 1950s, also serving as a journalist.

He earned a bachelor's in mathematics from the University of Texas in 1956. After working as a mathematician and programmer on some of the early computers for Douglas Aircraft Co. in Santa Monica, CA, and for Shell Oil Co. in Houston, TX, he decided to pursue an academic career and earned a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Chicago in 1962.

Professor Cole taught in the philosophy department at KU from 1965 until his retirement in 2001. Before coming to Lawrence, he taught at Colorado College, Grinnell College, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. He was a visiting professor at the University of Iowa in 1983. His academic specialties were philosophy of science, philosophy of mathematics, logic, metaphysics, and the history of philosophy. During his tenure at KU, he taught many undergraduates, supervised 10 master's theses and 12 doctoral dissertations, and was a member of the dissertation committee for 27 others.

Richard loved vigorous examination of ideas of all sorts and often had student groups in his home for discussion sessions on Sunday afternoons. He also enjoyed camping in national parks, walking with his dog, attending operas, and making bad puns. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and will be much missed.

Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com.

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Apr. 10, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

I find it difficult to put into words how deeply Richard affected my life since I first met him as an undergraduate student in 1968. He was my most influential teacher and mentor for my entire academic career, and a much loved and respected friend afterwards. I will miss him deeply. My thoughts go to Marjorie, Mark, Wendy, and Aletha and their families, for I know how dear they were to him.

Joe VanZandt

Joe VanZandt

April 17, 2013

Richard was the best teaching I have known in more than four decades studying and teaching philosophy. He was a true Socratic, ever moved to pursue the truth wherever it led him and to share the journey. Richard was my mentor at KU for five years and was like an intellectual second father. I am forever grateful for having known him. I think of him often and miss him deeply. My heartfelt condolences to Marjorie and the rest of his family, friends and colleagues.

Jim Swindler

April 15, 2013

I was not fortunate enough to have known Professor Richard Cole well. Yet, every time that I saw him, his warm and confident smile gave me a sense of comfort. He was always accompanied by his wife, Margorie, and some times his canine pal, Molly as they shopped at the local milk store where I greeted them.
My condolences to the family, especially to Margorie. I will miss him, and always remember his beautiful thick white hair.
Thanks for enriching my life.
Marty Falkenstien at Iwig Dairy

April 12, 2013

Prof. Cole was a superb teacher and a mentor to my husband, now deceased, Juan Abugattas from Peru. Cole was one of those not so common intellectuals who can create an atmosphere that allows students to flourish and explore their own rigorous routes in philosophy. Many years later he was wonderful in helping arrange Juan's return to Kansas for several lectures. My very best wishes and condolences to all Prof. Cole's family from Lima, Peru.

Joanna Drzewieniecki

April 11, 2013

A great man and wonderful friend who shall be missed.

Anita Herzfeld

April 10, 2013

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