Lester "Les" Leon Cole

Lester “Les” Leon Cole was born on August 19, 1950, in Altus, Oklahoma to Leota Faye Walker Cole and Wilbur L. Cole. After a battle with cancer, he passed away Saturday, January 6, at his home surrounded by loved ones. In 1951 his family moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where he would live until 1973. He graduated from Brewer High School in 1968, and he earned a Joint Degree in Journalism and political science from North Texas Sate University in 1972. In November 1973 he moved to Longview where he was employed by the Longview Morning Journal as a reporter and East Texas editor until February 1980. On January 13, 1979, he married his beloved wife for a lifetime, Victoria “Vicki” Barnett, at the First Christian Church of Longview. In February 1980, he and Vicki moved to Houston where he was employed in the public relations department of Shell Oil. On March 13, 1983, he and Vicki rejoiced in the birth of their twin sons, Jason and Jordan. In March 1984, the family moved to Douglas, Georgia where he became community relations manager of Coffee Regional Hospital. In June 1985, the family relocated to Daingerfield, Texas, where he was employed in the public relations department of Lone Star Steel. In November 1985, he returned to the Longview News Journal where he fulfilled his career before retirement another 29 years later. During this time, he served as roles as reporter, business editor, desk editor and special sections editor. He also won a writing award from United Press International and Golden Heart Award from Longview Independent School District. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Longview. During his retirement he enjoyed reading, gardening, woodworking, and spending quality time with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, several aunts and uncles, and three cousins. He is survived by his wife, Vicki, his two sons, Jason and Jordan of Longview; his brother, Charles Cole with wife Charlotte of Fort Worth; brother Carl Cole of Fort Worth; and niece Michele Cole of Fort Worth and numerous cousins. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 11, from 5 PM to 7 PM at Rader Funeral Home of Longview. Memorial services will be held on Friday, January 12 at 2:00 PM at the First Christian Church with Rev. Dr. Richard Emmerson and Rev. David Farmer officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church and PREP School

Lester "Les" Leon Cole

August 19, 1950 - January 6, 2024