(Chelsea Update would like to thank Tim Bristle for the information in this column.)
This month, I’m highlighting a long-time Chelsea business, Cole Funeral Chapel.
There are several events in Chelsea that you see Cole Funeral Chapel participating in. The first one that comes to my mind, (now that I’m out with my kids trick-or-treating) is the Halloween event in the parking lot to engage families; games, treats and contests.
More recently, during the Memorial Day parade, people could stop by and grab a donut and some coffee. Allen Cole, who enjoys running himself, is a mile-mark sponsor for the Chelsea Heart and Sole race in early May. There is also a community memorial service co-sponsored by Cole Funeral Home as well as sponsoring the Boy Scout breakfast and the classic car show.
During the Chelsea Fair Parade, Allen Cole noticed how hungry he and his family got after all the preparations and lining up for the fair parade, so they started cooking hotdogs for parade participants. Speaking of the fair, they purchase animals from the livestock auction, which they share with their staff each year. Chelsea Senior Citizens is another organization that is supported by Cole Funeral Home. Other organizations and clubs also receive their support in various ways throughout the year.
What kept surfacing to me is how community support is easy for Allen, because of his involvement in the community. “I support because it’s fun,” he said.
Cole supports events in the community because it not only enhances the community, but also his family. He can teach his children lessons on serving, giving, and problem-solving simply by giving to and serving others. It’s about looking outside of yourself and turning your focus on others instead of yourself. It’s a blessing to be a blessing, which is what Allen does when he thinks bigger than just his and his family’s own needs.
The funeral home was originally founded in 1898 and was purchased by his father in 1977. Allen Cole “fell” into the funeral home business when he returned home to Chelsea to help his father following some health challenges after being a math teacher for several years.
Allen Cole didn’t intend to take over the business, only to help out for a short time. What he realized was the impact his father had on the families he served and when he realized he could have the same impact, that’s what kept him here.
Thank you Cole Funeral Home for supporting the Chelsea Community.
Allen has also graciously helped out with Chelsea’s Live Nativity for several years, providing lighting and technical support. Thank you Allen!!!!