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Cole finished his
undergraduate education here in Toledo and earned his law
degree from the University of Toledo in 1951. He practiced
law in town for 60 years, retiring in 2011 and, as a lawyer,
was selected Outstanding Toledo Lawyer by the UT Law Alumni
Association; was selected to the Hall of Fame of the
National Bar Association and has had a scholarship
established in his honor to the UT College of Law that is
awarded annually.
“Eddie is a template that
any young attorney could follow,” said fellow attorney Lafe
Tolliver who recalled his own days as a young attorney
seeking the advice and counsel that Cole would so generously
dispense. That advice, noted attorney and City Councilman
Tyrone Riley, was always “well thought out.”
Another attorney, James
Carlisle, praised Cole for his devotion to the community and
to the brotherhood of local lawyers. Cole, said Carlisle,
“is a quintessential example of a man blessed with time.”
Also addressing the Braden
congregation was Cole’s son, Edwin L. Cole, Larome Myrick of
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and Ricky Willis of Triumph Lodge
#23.
The short speeches of
praise were interspersed with selections by the Harper Male
Chorus, particularly appropriate because Cole has been so
active in the Braden United Methodist Men over the years.
Cole wrapped up the Sunday
tribute and offered thanks to all for the effusive praise as
he recalled some of the difficulties experienced during his
youth.
“We are celebrating not
only my birthday,” said Cole. “But also the progress we’ve
made throughout America.”
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