03/31/2025
Remembering an Amazing Man Who Played the Trumpet: Larry Cole
Contributed by Dave Liggett
EXODUS: 23:20
“Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to
bring you into the place which I have prepared.”
You meet many people in a life like mine of nearly 80 years. Some men you remember, and some not so much. My words here are about a man I casually met when I played in a symphonic band several years ago. He became a good friend.
His friendliness and beautiful smile were hard to resist. He welcomed me, and we found ways to share our stories of life, and our musical interests. Our talks kept me looking forward to the next time I would see him. He had a rich background of trumpet playing experience that I loved hearing about. We talked at the band hall, at concerts, and at dinner. When I told a story, by the time I shared it, he knew something more about it than I did.
One of Larry's interests was the music from the Big Band era. Stan Kenton and Harry James stood out in our talks. As a student at North Texas State University, his professor of Trumpet was Harry James’ Trumpet Teacher. Not to be outdone, I told about when I was in College, I was the emcee of a big party and I got to meet and introduced Stan Kenton and his Orchestra at a Oakland University concert. By the way, Stan Kenton when he died, donated all music and his body of work to North Texas University. Larry and I loved the sound of the brass in the golden age of Big Bands. We would say the louder, the better!
I admired Larry’s playing. His energy and cheeriness helped me feel a part of a really fine community symphonic band: the Cypress Symphonic Band in Texas.
We could share many things in life. Reflecting on our relationship and talks, I have a few impressions of this impressive, tall Texan from Fort Worth with the beautiful Connecticut Yankee wife and family. First of all, I know he valued and loved his family, which was a treasure he never forgot. We never discussed much
about God, but his actions and behavior spoke to me that he tried very hard to treat others as he wanted to be treated. He also lived an honest, ethical life. I admired that about him also. Finally, I just know he is up there, chomping at bit to share one more memory from his amazing life of service and helping others.
God bless you, Larry. I look forward to seeing you again to share your amazing love of music and life, which taught me so much about how to live a better life and leave the world a better place because you lived it so well.
Revelation 21:4
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no
more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any
more, for the former things have passed away."
