Clarence R Cole

Clarence Russell Cole, DVM, age 98, died peacefully at his home in Columbus, Ohio on April 11, 2017. Born in Crestline, Ohio in 1918, he was always grateful for the encouragement that led to a scholarship at Otterbein College, and from there to The Ohio State University to receive his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Masters, and PhD degrees. He became the chairman of the Department of Veterinary Pathology and in 1967 was named Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. During his time at Ohio State, Dr. Cole was instrumental in securing funding for The Ohio State Veterinary Medical Hospital and Goss Laboratory and was active in the design of those buildings. Dr. Cole made significant contributions to medical research and was also an advocate for strong curriculum and dynamic teaching. He genuinely enjoyed working with students. He was named a Regents Professor by the Ohio Board of Regents and received the Distinguished Service Award from The Ohio State University.

Dr. Cole has been recognized internationally as a research scientist and educator in veterinary pathology, not only for his work at OSU, but also for his involvement with the National Institutes of Health, the World Health Organization, and the National Academy of Science. He published over a hundred articles and lectured throughout the world.

Although he enjoyed gardening, traveling, learning, and visiting with family, most people who knew him would comment on his constant encouragement to others to eat well and stay fit. He made time to exercise during his working years and in his nineties was still running on hills and lifting weights. He achieved his long-term goal of feeling healthy until the day he died.

Dr. Cole was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Mary Piper Cole in 2014, and parents Anita Stephan and Arthur Leroy Cole, brothers Forrest and Howard Cole, and sister Miriam Scott. He is survived by his sister Agnes McNeely and his brother Marlin Cole.

Dad, Pa, Great Pa will be greatly missed, but all in his family are better people for having had the opportunity to learn from him and be loved by him. He leaves to cherish his memory: daughters Carole Cole Fallang and Pamela (Steve) Vivian, and son Larry Cole; grandchildren Kirstin Fallang, Ragan (Christy) Fallang , Ethan (Elizabeth) Fallang, Carsen (Brittany) Fallang, Eric (Yoshiko Shimono) Vivian, Bruce (Helen) Vivian, and seven great-grandchildren.

If desired, contributions may be made in Dr. Cole's memory to Veterinary Bio Science Fund 311411, The Ohio State University, 1900 Coffey Road, or to the American Cancer Society.