Foster Marshall Cole, Sr.

Mr. Foster Marshall Cole, Sr.

The extraordinary journey of Foster Marshall Cole, Sr. began on January 20, 1937 in Lonoke, Arkansas. Foster, who was the youngest of thirteen children born to James Edward, Sr. and Lue Neal Walton Cole, was known by many names throughout his life. Some called him “Pete”, others called him “Cole”, and of course he was also the legendary “Mr. Cole”. Most importantly though, he was called Pops, Dad, Grandpa, Husband, Uncle, and friend.

Foster was born in Richwoods Township in Lonoke County, and moved to California in 1954, when he was just 17 years old. In 1965, he attended California Trade Tech College in Los Angeles, where he majored in Machine Shop and Blue Print Reading. He loved working with his hands and spent much of his life working in this field. He spent over 15 years at Becton Dickinson Labware, and 19 years at Pressel Molds, Inc., before ultimately retiring at Falcon Plastics after many years. Foster loved what he did so much, that he even continued to work from time to time a few years post-retirement. But, if you ever asked Mr. Cole how long he worked, his answer was “too long”.

In 1961 Foster married Roberta Mae, and to that union two sons were born, Foster Cole, Jr. (Colebaby) and Christopher Cole. They remained married until her passing in 1991. Later, he met and married Ora Lee Washington. They married on January 22, 1994, and from that union, he gained daughter Lilith, and granddaughter Amber, who he loved and treated as his own. Foster and Ora remained married until her passing in September 2011. Their love for each other and belief in service to others was clearly shown in their handling of the Oxnard Senior Vegetable Garden, a community owned garden where they shared all of the produce with members of the community. After her death, he remained in Oxnard, CA for a few years and then moved back to Lonoke where he resided until his passing.

Cole loved sweets especially Coconut cake, Vanilla Ice Cream, Hershey Bars, and caramel See’s lollipops. After he moved back to Arkansas, Lilith & Amber would mail him the See’s lollipops whenever he wanted them.

Foster was a builder. He was always adding on to his home in Oxnard and then his home in Lonoke. He built tool sheds, patio additions, you name it. And of course, he built his favorite spot to hang in, “The Shack.” He loved being in “The Shack” and spent countless hours there.

Mr. Cole was known for his kindness to others. It was this kindness that brought him in to contact with his cousin, Yvette Hill, who lovingly cared for him until his passing. He wanted a party for his last birthday, and she made it happen in grand fashion. He loved to dress up and look good but loved being in his overalls the most.

Foster Marshall Cole, Sr. ended his earthly walk on March 3, 2026. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents James Edward, Sr. and Lue Neal Walton Cole, and siblings, Walter Cole, Louis Cole, Sally Francis Yeargin, Bessie Mae Sims, James Edward Cole, Jr. (Buddy), Lula Cole, William F. Cole (Frank), Virginia C. Campbell, Luneal Pruitt, and Robert R. Cole.

Foster is survived by his brother, Adolphus Warren and sister Lucy Cole Muldrew, both of California. Two sons, Foster Cole, Jr. of Oregon and Christopher Cole of Las Vegas, and a daughter, Dr. Lilith Williams of Los Angeles. 7 Grandchildren: Amber Snead, Christopher Cole Jr., Porsha Cole, Victoria Cole, Raven Cole, Amina Cole, and Emilia Cole. 6 Great-Grandchildren: Xavier Grey, X’zaira Grey, Xzaia Grey, Amariah Cardenas Cole, Leo Peterson, and Graysen Peterson. A very special cousin, Yvette Hill of Lonoke and nephew Tim Pruitt of Sherwood. Along with a whole host of nephews, nieces, cousins and special friends.

A visitation will be held 10:30am, Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Boyd Funeral Home Chapel with the Celebration of Life beginning at 11:00am. Burial will be at a later date in California.