Rellon G. Cole
June 21, 1920 ~ February 12, 2013
SOUTH PORTLAND - Rellon G. Cole, 92, of South Portland, a retired funeral director, died February 12, 2013 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House. He was born in Presque Isle, on June 21, 1920 a son of Percy W. and Charlotte (Eastman) Cole.He was a 1939 graduate of Ricker Classical Institute in Houlton. In 1941 he received his funeral directors license. Rellon served as a Pharmacist's Mate 1st Class with the Navy during World War II in Guam and Iwo Jima. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal by the 3rd Marine Division while on Iwo Jima. Following the war, Rellon returned to school graduating from The Renouard Training School for Embalmers in New York City in 1947. He successfully passed his State Board Examination and received his Embalming License the following year. For thirteen years he was involved in showing his Saddlebreds. The highlight of his showing was at the Coliseum in West Springfield, MA. He was a member of the American Saddlebred Horse Museum of Lexington, KY. Rellon served as Commander of the Chester L. Briggs Post # 47 American Legion in Houlton from 1947-48. He was a life member of the Maine Funeral Directors Association and the Portland Elks Lodge BPOE # 188. He was a member of South Portland VFW Post # 832 and a former member of the Nonsuch River Golf Club. Survivors include his beloved wife Phyllis of South Portland; a sister Athlyn Hogue of Florida; several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am, Saturday, Feb. 23, at Holy Cross Church, corner of Broadway and Cottage Road, South Portland. Interment will be in Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Augusta. Those desiring may make donations in his memory to: Boys and Girls Club of South Portland, 169 Broadway, South Portland, Maine 04105. Arrangements are being handled by Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel 1024 Broadway, South Portland.Online condolences may be expressed below.
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Dear Phyllis, Sure wish we were closer – pls know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time….God Bless. We will light a candle at our church here in Nova Scotia and have our priest keep you and Rellon Evelyn in his prayers…..
– Yvonne Barlock & Michael Hagenbuch
Thinking of you, Phyllis, and sending hugs from Arizona. Ben and Carrie had such wonderful times with you and Unkie…great memories. Fondly, Nancy
– Nancy Huber
I will miss Rellon as he had his American Saddlebred boarded at my farm in Gorham, Me.. He was a very good friend through the years even after selling his horse we remained friends to the end. I feel very fortunate to have had him as a friend for he was always interested in where I was showing my American Saddlebreds and even travelled to horse shows with me to see me ride in the show ring. A couple of years ago he was inducted into the hall of fame at a banquet that was held by The American Saddlebred Association of Maine. Last year his saddlebred was inducted into the Saddlebred Horse Hall of Fame as well. Rellon was a very active member of the Saddlebred Association of Maine and worked very hard to make Saddlebreds at the Maine Mall a success many years ago. I will never forget his smile and laugh as I would tell him stories of showing my horses. I will miss him everyday for the rest of my life.
– Paulette Brim
Another from the ‘Greatest Generation’ in God’s care. Thank you for your service.
– Guest
Phyllis, So sorry for your losses. I saw that your sister past away just a very short time ago. You are in my prayers
– Grace Jordan