Louis E. Cole

Abbeville – Funeral Services for Mr. Louis E. Cole will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Frioux-David Funeral Home of Abbeville with Reverend Ernest Williams III officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary Congregational Church Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 8:00AM until the time of Service on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Frioux-David Funeral Home of Abbeville.

A gifted artist, Louis was skilled in painting, carving, sculpture, and wood restoration, and his work often reflected his love for beauty and craftsmanship. His artistic endeavors brought joy to many, and his talent was only matched by his appreciation for the arts.

As a musician, he expressed his creativity through his trumpet and guitar, and he was a passionate lover of music—particularly R&B, soul and gospel. His voice, whether in song or conversation, was always a source of comfort to those who heard it.

In sports, he was a devoted fan, especially of baseball and football. He cheered for the LSU Tigers, the Chicago Bears, and the New Orleans Saints—always a "long-suffering Saints fan" who remained loyal through thick and thin.

A true family historian, Louis was deeply committed to learning about his ancestry and sharing those stories with others. His interest in literature, poetry, and crossword puzzles kept his mind sharp, and he often spent hours reading or immersed in a challenging puzzle, delighting in the joy of discovery.

A 1961 graduate of Herod High School, he was a veteran of the U.S. Army and attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana, as well as Gulf Area Vocational School. He served for years as a deacon at St. Mary Congregational Church and was also a member of Live Oak Lodge #193 Prince Hall Freemasonry.

He spent the majority of his career employed as a technician in the oil and gas industry, working for decades at Entex Natural Gas and then Texaco. He ultimately retired from the state’s Department of Transportation and Development. He was a man of great intellect, generosity, and humor. He had a remarkable ability to connect with others, and his warmth and wisdom will be missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Louis leaves behind many family and friends who will carry his memory in their hearts forever. His life was a testament to the power of creativity, the importance of family, and hard work.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ruby Meaux Cole; two daughters, Michelle Cole of LaPlace and Dr. Natasha “René” Cole-Leonard and her husband Dr. Joe Leonard of Washington DC; three grandchildren, Cole Leonard, Nicholas Ellis, and Riley Ellis; and two maternal aunts, Vivian Alsop of Los Angeles, CA and Shirley Briggs and her husband Leroy of Abbeville.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ellard Leroy Cole and Alba Henderson Cole.

Serving as pallbearers will be Joe Leonard, Anthony Satcher, Spencer Nunez, Wayne Briggs, Barry Briggs, and Brandon Briggs.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Leroy Briggs, Joe Butcher, Sterling Johnson, and Arthur Williams III.

Frioux-David Funeral Home of Abbeville at 2600 Charity Street (337) 893-3777 will be in charge of the arrangements.