Obituaries

Beverly Benjamin Cole, age 97, passed away on October 18, 2026, at Medilodge Sault in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He was born January 1, 1929, in Carlton, Michigan, to Howard and Annie (Gillespie) Cole.

Beverly was the youngest of six children, with his next oldest sibling being 12 years older. He began taking piano lessons at the age of six in Decker, Michigan. When he was ten years old, he lived with his older brother who was operating a mission in the Detroit area. During this time, Beverly assisted his brother by playing the piano at meetings held at the mission.

Later that year, Beverly’s father took a break from serving as a pastor, and Beverly began attending the Salvation Army, where he accepted Christ as his Savior during revival meetings. Jean MacDonald’s father was the adjutant officer at this Salvation Army.

Beverly’s siblings encouraged his musical talents, with one brother even paying him 50 cents for every hour he practiced the piano. With the encouragement of his sister, Ethel, Beverly began taking lessons from concert pianist Bendetson Netzorg. Every three weeks, he traveled by bus from Au Gres, Michigan, to attend these lessons. In 1946, Beverly performed Mozart’s Piano Concerto in D Minor before an audience of 500 people at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

In 1947, Beverly enrolled at DePauw University, a Methodist university in Indiana, graduating in 1951 with a bachelor’s degree in music. He continued his education at the University of Michigan, where he earned his master’s degree and completed one year toward a doctorate.

In 1955, Beverly began teaching music at Asbury College. In 1958, he accepted a teaching position at Olivet College in Olivet, Michigan, where he remained for two years. His mother had passed away in 1957, and after leaving Olivet College, Beverly moved in with his father in Argentine, Michigan. Following his father's death and the sale of the family home, Beverly began living in his car. Although he occasionally rented a house, he would eventually return to living in his vehicle.

Beverly moved to Michigan's Upper Peninsula in 1974. In 1981, he settled in the Strongs area, where he lived with his Cadillac and a Ford van he had purchased. In the fall of 1993, Pastor Gary Van Sickle and the congregation of Community Bible Church in Strongs, Michigan, helped Beverly move out of the woods and into a small trailer before one of the coldest winters on record. In 1995, when a new parsonage was built, Beverly moved into the church’s former parsonage, where he lived for the next 22 years. At the age of 88, he moved into assisted living, where he remained until 2022, when he became a resident of Medilodge. The staff at Medilodge grew to love Beverly, and his time there was a blessing.

During his years in Strongs, Beverly was fortunate to have many caring friends who helped him along the way. The late Jerry and Maxine, along with Jack and Barbara Allan, were especially helpful to him during the summers. Bram Bone, as well as Bob and Nancy Jarema, also devoted much of their time to assisting Beverly with doctor’s appointments and other needs.

Beverly’s time at Community Bible Church was especially meaningful. After receiving medication, he was once again able to share his musical talents, playing the piano at church for several winters. Those who knew him believe that God blessed the Community Bible Church for its many years of kindness and compassion toward a fellow brother in the Lord.

Beverly is survived by his niece, Barbara Davis; other cousins; and his guardian and dear friends, Pastor Gary and Debbie Van Sickle. Beverly touched many hearts throughout his life and will be greatly missed.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Coburn Cemetery in Strongs, Michigan.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Pickford assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.