LAPEL — Richard and Debbie Cole entered Daybreak Community Church like a football team storming onto the field at the start of a game — but instead of charging through smoke, they were passing under the raised arms of church members wishing the pastor and his wife well in their retirement.
“I think he’s excellent,” said Steve Reddick, a member of the Wesleyan church, who attended a special dinner to honor the Coles’ service Sunday, Oct. 8, at the church, 1219 N. Main Court, Lapel. “He’s always there for you.”
Scores of people attended the event to honor the Coles. Richard Cole has been pastor in Lapel for more than 19 years.
“He’s been my pastor since the second day I moved here,” said Loren Fox; he said he came to Lapel from Arizona in December 2009. “He’s my best friend, and he’d do anything for anybody anytime.”


Cole, 64, a 1972 Lapel High School graduate, got his start as a pastor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he served for three years. He then was a pastor in Pendleton for two years, and Cicero for eight years, before serving in Lapel.
Cole led the church through some difficult circumstances in recent years, including a water leak that forced the congregation of about 100 to vacate the building and conduct services in the Lapel Middle School cafeteria for several months.
Cheryl Bender of Kokomo said she and husband Louis attended the dinner Sunday not as Daybreak congregants but as people who worked with the Coles in Christian Campers Fellowship; the group of primarily Wesleyan church followers plans outdoor activities, such as camping and hiking.
She said Richard has shared devotions at the group’s gatherings, and Debbie has performed music.
“They’re a very important part of our group,” Bender said. “We came because we think that they are special people, and we want to recognize the service that they have done. They’ve had an impact on many people’s lives. They’re fun, and they’re real (genuine) people.”
Richard Cole said he’s stepping down as pastor because he’s ready to hand off the responsibilities.
Cole said he’s not sure what he’ll do next. He’s going to continue living in the Lapel area and take some time to consider his options.
“I don’t want to just fade off into the sunset and that’s all you hear about me — I’m not built that way,” he said.
He said he’s considering pursuing a role in the Wesleyan church district leadership or even politics, including a run for the local school board, and if he likes that, perhaps higher office.
There also could be a lot of motor-home travel and fishing in his immediate future, he said.
“I don’t know, I’ll just have to see how the Lord prompts me.”
Cole will be missed by many, including Alma Downey, 99, who attended Sunday’s dinner.
Downey said Cole has been “Johnny on the spot” for church members, and hopes he will still be there for one more occasion for her.
“I told him not to go too far — I want him to preach at my funeral,” she said.
She said she likes “just everything” about him, describing him as “happy-go-lucky.”