FREDERICK RICHARDSON 'DICK' COLE

Frederick Richardson 'Dick' Cole, Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church of Raytown, achieved the goal of his life when he went to see Jesus on April 21, 2012, following a lingering illness.
Dick received this passion when, at eighteen years of age, he was called to preach the gospel. He served his country during W.W.II for three years as an Electrician's Mate in the U.S. Navy. He later graduated from Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX. He received an honorary doctorate from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO.
He served four churches as pastor: Oakwood Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN from 1954-1959; Everett Hills Baptist Church in Maryville, TN from 1959-1966; First Baptist Church of Raytown from 1966-1983; and First Baptist Church of Bartow, FL from 1983-1989. He also kept active in Baptist associations and state Baptist work. In Missouri, he served as President of the Missouri Baptist Convention and also served on the Southern Baptist Executive Committee for ten years.
Dick loved people and found his greatest joy in pointing others toward Christ. His sense of humor and upbeat personality endeared him to his congregation. His unique laugh will long be remembered! He was faithful to visit the sick, comfort the bereaved, and encourage the down-hearted – always with a twinkle in his eye. His love of children was evident in the way they would line up with their parents after every service, for a quick hug and an encouraging word. He kept a rolodex on his desk, not filled with telephone numbers but filled with the many school pictures children brought to him. Of course, he also kept a jar of candy on his desk for them.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest Alexander Cole and Ruth Richardson Cole, his brother, Earnest Alexander Cole, Jr., and his sister, Mary Louise Lintner. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 62 years, Iris, his son, Rick and wife, Cathy, Liberty, MO., and grandchildren, Richard Cole, Wichita, KS., Lindsay Cole, Philadelphia, PA, Nicholas and wife, Holly, Cole, Kansas City, MO., and Brandon Cole, Liberty, MO. He also leaves a great-granddaughter, Lydia Cole, Wichita, KS.
A service celebrating his life and his entry into heaven is scheduled for Tuesday, April 24th at 7:30 at the First Baptist Church of Raytown. Visitation will precede the service from 5:30-7:30. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the First Baptist Church of Raytown, MO.

ARRANGEMENTS; CULLEN FUNERAL HOME, RAYMORE, MISSOURI
(816)322-5278