Wilbur Kenneth Cole, Sr.

Wilbur Kenneth Cole, Sr. of St. Paul, MN departed this earthly life on Friday, December 6, 2024. Wilbur was born in Silver Creek, MS on August 14, 1937. Wilbur was the second son of three children born to the late Pashie Cole and Sim Earsell Cole. He has one brother, Alexander Leon (Liz) Cole and one sister, Shirley Elizabeth (late ML) Williams and sister-in-law, Cheryl Jennings. Wilbur was a member of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church.

Wilbur grew up in Silver Creek, MS and attended schools in Prentiss, MS. Wilbur enlisted in the Army where he served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. After he was honorably discharged from the Army, he moved to New Orleans, LA where he pursued his musical career. He performed in several clubs in and around New Orleans. In the 1960’s, Wilbur moved to St. Paul, MN where he enrolled in several music classes at the University of Minnesota. He was a featured vocalist, played the keyboard for many bands, wrote music, was a musician for many churches, and performed at several community events in the Twin Cities area. Wilbur received numerous awards and recognition throughout the Twin Cities and surrounding areas including being inducted as the Blues Legend in the Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame. Wilbur took pride in being able to produce lyrics, compose pieces of music and play from memory without reading sheet music.

Wilbur enjoyed listening to a variety of music, hanging out with his brother, family gatherings, playing dominoes and fishing.

Wilbur was the father of 6 children: Anthony Cole, Reginald Cole, Samuel Cole, Wilbur Kenneth Cole, Jr., Twylla Jo Cole (late Ray Ross) Ross and Jason A. (Jessica) Johnson.

He married the love of his life, Verline Cole, where he became the father to 6 additional children: Cheryline Veronica Elliott, Tor Bernard White, Jonathan White, Tisa Lynn White, Shannon Monique White and Timika Shanta Gladney. He has numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Wilbur is preceded in death by his parents, Pashie and Sim Cole, his wife, the love of his life, Verline Cole, sons, Anthony and Samuel Cole, sons-in-law, Ray Ross and Bobbie Elliott, brother-in-law, ML Williams and Pastor Jesse Cater, sister-in-law, Fonzella Lofton Carter and Laverne Clay.