Hershel P. Cole

Hershel P. Cole, age 89, of Lake Village, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Franciscan Health in Munster. He was born on October 18, 1936, in Lawrence County, Alabama, to James W. and Bertha A. (Morris) Cole. Raised in a large family alongside his twelve siblings, Hershel carried strong values of faith and family throughout his life. On October 16, 1954, he married the love of his life, Bobbie Jean Jennings, in Mississippi; she survives. Hershel devoted his life to ministry as a Baptist minister, faithfully sharing God’s Word and guiding others in their spiritual journeys. His dedication to his faith and his compassion for others left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Hershel loved to share his favorite psalm: Psalm 121 (A Song of Ascents) “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 71 years, Bobbie Jean of Lake Village, Indiana; his children: Herschel G. (Nantana “Wel”) Cole of Spokane, Washington; Kenneth W. (Deborah) Cole of Hammond, Indiana; and Robert “Bob” L. (Angela) Cole of Lake Village, Indiana; along with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Vinson and Spencer Cole, and numerous nieces and nephews. Hershel was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Sister Bobo, Ethel Waldrep, Dollie Cahela, Mary Montgomery, Major Cole, Steven Cole, Jerry Cole, Agnes Jones, Billie Jean Lyell, and Frances Lovelace. In keeping with his wishes, cremation rites were entrusted to Integrity Funeral Service & Cremation in Wheatfield, Indiana, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Hershel P. Cole

October 18, 1936 - April 14, 2026