Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Richard Cole Obituary
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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Cole
5 Entries
Joe VanZandt
April 17, 2013
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
Jim Swindler
April 15, 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.
April 12, 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
Joanna Drzewieniecki
April 11, 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.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Anita Herzfeld
April 10, 2013
A great man and wonderful friend who shall be missed.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Cole's name
Memorial Events
for Richard Cole
People and places connected with Richard
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Richard's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Cole's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
