Tuel Dean Cole

Tuel Cole, age 92, of Catoosa, OK, passed away on Tuesday, May 9th, 2023 in Tulsa, OK. He was born at home, just south of the Choska Bottoms to Dave and Fannie (Fulton) Cole. Tuel's father died when he was 6 years old leaving his mother to raise him and his eight siblings: Cecil, Arzie, Dave, Lorene, Donald, and Ailene. Tuel had two half-sisters, Ada, and Lucille. The family farmed the Choska Bottoms for 27 years. Tuel graduated from Porter High School in 1949. He immediately enrolled in Oklahoma A&M College in Stillwater, OK. He earned his B.A. in Education. Tuel continued his education at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK, earning his master's degree in administration. He enlisted in the Haskell National Guard and fought in the Korean War. He was proud of serving his country and while serving met many lifelong friends. After the Army, Tuel began his teaching career. While visiting his family, he was introduced to Jemolee Martin by his sister-in-law, June. Jemolee was teaching home economics at Porter. When they were introduced, Jemolee asked him if he knew how to fix a sewing machine. Even though he didn't, they began dating and married shortly after. They were happily married for 64 years and had two daughters. Tuel taught school for many years in Centralia, Missouri, Durant, OK, Hulbert, OK and Wagoner, OK. He was principal at Hulbert High School. Tuel also served as school counselor at Wagoner, OK. He and Jemolee retired from teaching and spent many wonderful years traveling out of the country to such places as Russia and Poland. They traveled to different states in their RV, pulling it up next to the bubbling streams and lakes. They would spend days camping and fishing. Tuel will be greatly missed by his sister, Ailene Childress of Haskell, OK. His two daughters, Cheryl Murray (Stan) Wagoner, OK and Linda Kelley (Rod) Claremore, OK, his grandchildren that he was so very proud of, Jeremy Foster (Melinda) San Antonio, TX, Melissa Foster, Tulsa, OK, Amanda Ward (Scott) Arvada, CO, Stephanie Tucker (Steven) Nowata, OK, Dana Paez (Dillion) Schertz, TX, and Justin Kelley (Sabrina) Bella Vista, AR. He loved bragging about his great grandchildren, Jacen Foster, Danyelle Foster, Oliver Ward, Ari Tucker, Kylin Tucker, Cataleya Paez, Dante Paez and Kathryn Kelley. He also leaves behind many nephews, nieces, friends, and neighbors that he thought the world of. Also, the crew at his favorite restaurant, Lilly's, Catoosa, OK, as well as his close friends, Bill Shouse, Jim and Brent Bushyhead. Tuel was preceded in death by his wife, Jemolee, parents, Fannie and Dave Cole, his siblings, Cecil, Donald, Dave, Arzie, Lorene, Ada, and Lucille. The viewing will be Friday, May 12 from 12:00 to 8:00 PM at Moore Funeral Homes, Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E 51st, Tulsa, OK. Please join the family as they celebrate Tuel's life at Moore Funeral Homes, Southlawn Chapel on Saturday, May 13th at 10:00 AM. Burial will be at Haskell Cemetery in Haskell, OK at 1:00 PM.

Tuel Dean Cole

February 12, 1931 - May 9, 2023