US Congressman. He was raised in Topeka and received a law degree from the University of Chicago in 1926, afterwards practicing in Holton. From 1927 to 1931 he served as Jackson County Attorney, and he was President of the Holton School Board from 1931 to 1943. In 1940 Cole was elected to the Kansas Senate, where he served from 1941 to 1945. In 1944 he was a successful candidate for a seat in the US House of Representatives, defeating incumbent William P. Lambertson for the Republican nomination and serving four terms, 1945 to 1953. Cole was defeated for reelection in 1952 largely because he supported construction of the Tuttle Creek Dam, which was then unpopular, but has since been recognized as a major success, most notably in 1993 when it reduced the impact of severe spring floods. In 1953 he became Administrator of the Housing and Home Finance Agency, where he served until 1959, becoming a recognized expert on urban renewal and mortgage loan guarantee programs, but also receiving criticism for arguing that the federal government had no responsibility to end racial discrimination in housing. From 1959 to 1961 he served as a Vice President of the Reynolds Aluminum Service Corporation. From 1961 to 1967 he was President of the Reynolds Metals Development Corporation, and he served on its Board of Directors from 1967 to 1970. Cole then practiced law as a consultant on urban renewal and home mortgage programs, remaining active until his 1990 retirement.
US Congressman. He was raised in Topeka and received a law degree from the University of Chicago in 1926, afterwards practicing in Holton. From 1927 to 1931 he served as Jackson County Attorney, and he was President of the Holton School Board from 1931 to 1943. In 1940 Cole was elected to the Kansas Senate, where he served from 1941 to 1945. In 1944 he was a successful candidate for a seat in the US House of Representatives, defeating incumbent William P. Lambertson for the Republican nomination and serving four terms, 1945 to 1953. Cole was defeated for reelection in 1952 largely because he supported construction of the Tuttle Creek Dam, which was then unpopular, but has since been recognized as a major success, most notably in 1993 when it reduced the impact of severe spring floods. In 1953 he became Administrator of the Housing and Home Finance Agency, where he served until 1959, becoming a recognized expert on urban renewal and mortgage loan guarantee programs, but also receiving criticism for arguing that the federal government had no responsibility to end racial discrimination in housing. From 1959 to 1961 he served as a Vice President of the Reynolds Aluminum Service Corporation. From 1961 to 1967 he was President of the Reynolds Metals Development Corporation, and he served on its Board of Directors from 1967 to 1970. Cole then practiced law as a consultant on urban renewal and home mortgage programs, remaining active until his 1990 retirement.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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