1923
2017
Ewell was born one of seven siblings to Garrettson and Cora Cole in San Antonio, Texas. His father died suddenly when he was a young teenager, and life was meagre and challenging in the rural Depression Era South. In the run-up to World War II, he enlisted in the United States Navy to serve his country. He served mainly on the USS Concord which fortunately left Pearl Harbor a week or so before the conflict began.
In 1947 he was honorably discharged and brought home to Carmel by two friends who would become his brothers in law. They introduced him to Rose Funchess Dodd, who was at the time a widow with three very young children, Jim, Mike and Marilyn. Ewell married Rose and about a year later arrived, Peggy, and eight years later, Ewell, Jr. (Buzz).
In the early years he was a Motion Picture Projectionist, for which he joined the "International Association of Stage Hands and Theatrical Workers" union. This also enabled him to work as an Electrician when movies or commercials were filmed on the Monterey Peninsula which was interesting work to do. He also did lighting for the Monterey Jazz Festival for many years. He was always interested in photography, developing and printing his own pictures in the basement "dark room" of our 4th and San Carlos Street house.
Ewell worked more than 20 years at the Monterey Fairgrounds in Maintenance. For many years, his dog, Kaiser, accompanied him. He was very fond of dogs and babies!! He was an Electrician, Plumber, Gardener, Carpenter, and all around talented man. He and Rose were involved with Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts, and Ewell coached baseball teams and umpired many Little League Baseball games, first in Monterey, and then Carmel.
He and Rose were longtime members and participants in the Carmel Valley Gem and Mineral Society, and also volunteered 17 years for Community Hospital. Ewell was the photographer for the Auxiliary, as well as working in the snack bar, pharmacy, and helping patients to Xray or testing. They both enjoyed golf at the old Pacific Grove links course. Ewell was a member and long time Treasurer for the Carmel Associated Sportsman, Inc. In the early days, he also taught Gun Safety classes.
Ewell and Rose were married almost 70 years. Sadly in the later years, he suffered from Dementia, and Rose took care of him at home until she passed in June of 2016. After that, he moved to a Memory Care Facility in Monterey. The caregivers there were compassionate, loving and kind, and we dearly thank them for their attention to "Papa Cole". The VNA Hospice group was wonderful and most helpful through the final week.
Ewell and Rose were the "salt of the Earth"; wonderful and caring people, giving and loving parents and the world is a much better place having held them for so long. They are survived by all their children; Jim Dodd(Renae) of Santee, CA-children Jimmy and Wendy, Mike (Carolyn) of San Benancio,and Betty Cole of Carmel-children Bob and Ted, Marilyn of Pacific Grove, Peggy McMahan (Rod) of Carmel Valley- children Seneca Klassen, Caitlin, Hillary and Alexandria, and Buzz(Elaine) of Monterey-children, Amanda, Audrey Rose and Annabelle. Also many great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.
Ewell will rest eternally next to Rose at the El Carmelo Cemetery in Pacific Grove, chatting with the Funchess and Askew ancestors. Celebrate and remember Ewell and Rose lovingly in any way you choose, especially see their influence when you attend the annual "Gem and Mineral Show "at the Monterey Fairgrounds, held every year in the Fall. And, Go Giants!!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Paul Mortuary.
May 18, 2017
The Dunn (Allred) Family
So sorry to read this Buzz and Family...I remember how he was such a nice man. Much love,
May 5, 2017
Janet (Askew) Smith
My in-laws, Luther and Joy Askew spoke highly of Cole and Rose and thought that they were wonderful people. My condolences on your loss. The Askew Clan in heaven was waiting with open arms.
May 4, 2017
David Payton
So sorry to read of Ewell's passing. Growing up at the fairgrounds I have a lot of memories of Ewell and my dad working together. And all the great pictures he used to take at the motorcycle races. Janice and I send our deepest condolences.
May 3, 2017
My deepest condolences and sympathy for the loss of dearest Ewell. Now, Ewell and Rose will be reunited in heaven. We will miss you dearly.
May 1, 2017
Karleen Graxiola Russell
With deepest sympathy in the loss of Cole (as my dad called him and I grew up knowing him as that) He was one of the nicest men I ever met. Dad always spoke so highly of him. Much love goes out to the family.
April 29, 2017
James Dodd
Dad,
Fair winds and following seas...jim
April 29, 2017
Max Drewien
We are so sorry to hear Uncle Ewell passing. We send our deepest regrets to all the family. Max and Anita Drewien
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