Harold Preston Cole

Harold Preston Cole
September 16, 1932 - November 23, 2024

Harold Preston Cole was born September 16, 1932, in Weatherford, TX. His parents were Clyde and Rosie Cole. Harold had five sisters and two brothers. The entire Cole family moved from Texas and settled in Las Cruces, NM. One of Harold's earliest memories from the late 1930's was his mom, dad, and all siblings out in the fields picking cotton in the Rio Grande Valley. Harold went to Las Cruces High School, where he was a standout football and baseball player. After high school, Harold married Shirley Bass. Harold and Shirley enjoyed 71 years of marriage. They had two sons, Terry Cole and Joe Bob Cole, who were both born in Las Cruces, NM.

In his early years, to support the family Harold worked as an electrical lineman for the Las Cruces Power Company. There he climbed poles and strung electrical wires. Harold later accepted a job in Alamogordo, NM, at Holloman Air Force Base with a startup computer company. That fledgling computer company got a defense contract from the Army at Fort Huachuca. Harold relocated his family to Sierra Vista, began working at Greeley Hall, and never moved again.

In Sierra Vista, Harold made quite an impact. In the 1960's, 1970's, and 1980's, Harold was a Little League coach, Babe Ruth coach, and established the American Legion's summer baseball program. Harold was also a big backer of sports at Buena High School. He was the president of the Buena Booster Club many times and also announced the Buena baseball games for the local radio station.

Perhaps Harold's most long lasting legacy is when he became a member of Sierra Vista's first Parks and Recreation board. As a part of the Parks and Recreation Committee, Harold helped establish the City Park in Sierra Vista. Harold was instrumental in getting the first Olympic-sized public swimming pool for the City Park. Plus, Harold was a ground breaker in getting the blueprints for the softball and baseball fields in and around the City Park. To recognize his contributions, the city of Sierra Vista named a ball field in his honor: Cole Field.

Harold Cole was very active in the fast growing city of Sierra Vista. With his many decades of positive influence Harold impacted the lives of many young people. With the establishment of the City Park and its programs, Harold's influence will continue for future generations. Harold was extremely proud that in less than 30 years he went from picking cotton to the computer industry and on to city planner.

Harold Cole was blessed with five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Harold so enjoyed telling the exploits of his two sons, grandchildren, and great grandkids.
Harold was preceded in death by his son, Terry (2020) and wife, Shirley (2021).

At Harold Cole's request, there will be no funeral service. Harold's family will gather for a remembrance at his favorite fishing hole - Roosevelt Lake.
If you feel the need to honor Harold Cole, please send a donation in his name to Casa de la Paz of Sierra Vista.

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