COLES, John Earl, 86 passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2017 in Verdigre, NE.Born in Leonville, LA, he was a longtime resident of Arabi, LA until the loss of his home to Hurricane Katrina brought him to Nebraska in 2005. John was an intelligent and thoughtful man who graduated from Tulane University with a degree in Electrical Engineering, the first in his family to achieve higher education. He retired from New Orleans Public Service Inc after a long and successful career.John was an outdoorsman who loved to fish, hunt, grow vegetables and cook dishes from his Cajun heritage.He was an avid volunteer with his church, Immanuel Lutheran, and SCORE, an organization that connects mentors with small businesses. With an infectious smile and a perpetual twinkle in his eye, John Coles had the enviable ability to make everyone in his life feel special. He will be deeply missed. He was a proud and caring father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and counted many good friends. Husband of the late Gladys (Dolly) Redman Coles for 56 years and husband to DeAnna Fulton Coles for the past 8 years.He is preceded in death by his parents, Alzire and Earl Coles, brothers Joseph and Alexander and sisters Marietta Coles Caruso and Earline Coles Clark.He is survived by his wife DeAnna Fulton Coles, sister Gloria Coles Rowell, children, Mike Coles, Patricia Derr (Patrick), and Paul Coles (Val).Also survived by eight grandchildren, Kenny Coles, Kevin Coles, Stephen Coles, David Coles, Sarah Coles Gunn (Kevin), Eric Coles, Josh Derr (Sara), and Emily Derr, three great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. CELEBRATION OF LIFE: Saturday, July 15, 2017 at Braman Mortuary 72nd Street Chapel, viewing from 9:00-11:00 AM with services to follow. INTERMENT: Forest Lawn Memorial Park
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