Michael James Cole

Michael James Cole, 41, of Avenue C, Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away Thursday, January 16, 2014, at his home. There will be no public visitation. A Vigil is scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 7:00 PM at St. Edward Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 10:00 AM, at St. Edward Catholic Church with Fr. Cyprian Uline, OFM, Conv. officiating. Carlsbad Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Michael "Mike" James Cole was born on August 1, 1972, in Tucumcari, NM, to Cornell and Karen Cole. He grew up in Show Low, Arizona, and moved to Carlsbad, NM, in 1989. Mike graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1991. After graduation, he joined the United States Navy and served until 1995. In 1993, he married his high school sweetheart, Valerie Olguin and in March of 1995, they were blessed with their only child, Phenix Kurt Cole. After being honorably discharged, Mike and his new family lived in San Diego, California, El Paso and Dallas, Texas, before moving back to Carlsbad in 1998. Mike was proficient in all he did, from working his job in the medical field to working on many of his home crafts and hobbies. He enjoyed doing arts and crafts such as painting and building unique projects. Mike enjoyed being outside working in his yard and gardening and loved to go camping, swimming and to ride his bike. He loved to think of new things to create and show off his artistic abilities, and splashed the colors of life everywhere he went. Mike never hesitated to be a friend. He loved his family and friends and appreciated the time he spent with them. Among all Mike created and loved to show off was his son, Phenix. From the moment Mike knew he was going to be a father, he gave his all to Phenix. He loved and cherished every waking moment he had with his son. Phenix was his world! Mike was so proud of Phenix's accomplishments but none more so than watching his son graduate high school with honors and move on to college. Mike was preceded in death by his brother, Paul; both maternal and paternal grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Valerie; son, Phenix Cole and his girlfriend, Cassie Aguilar; parents, Cornell and Karen Cole; mother-in-law, Juanita Olguin; sisters: Kathleen Sanders and husband, Wayne, Patricia Cole and partner, Stephanie; brothers: Andrew Cole and wife, Shawna, Kevin Cole and wife, Brandy, along with 17 nieces and nephews and 1 great-niece; and also Tony, Jacinda and Bethany Richards. Mike is also survived by a dear circle of friends including Kelly Linch, Daniel Kay, Brian Curbello, Wilson Barnes and Mondo Parraz. Pallbearers will be Andy and Kevin Cole, Joseph Sanders, Kelly Linch, Mondo Parraz and Tony Richards. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.