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A native of Greensburg and a longtime resident of Baton Rouge, J.W. left this world on December 27, 2012 after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his devoted wife, companion and best friend of 58 years, Harriet Moltz, his fellow banker, confidante, and only daughter, Nancy Cole Ribas and husband Cayetano, and his cherished granddaughter, Gabriela Cole Ribas. J.W. was born to Robert E. "Bub" and Rebecca Nannie Wilson on November 27, 1927 in Greensburg, LA. A graduate of Baton Rouge High and LSU School of Civil Engineering, he joined the Corps of Engineers as First Lieutenant and was a decorated veteran of the Korean Conflict. J.W. owned Winkler Manufacturing Company and was the President of Cole & Associates Consulting Engineering, sharing the responsibility for many local building projects in St. Helena and East Baton Rouge Parish. For over 50 years, J.W. served as the distinguished Chairman of the Bank of Greensburg, which was chartered by his father in 1904, and family-run for over 100 years. J.W. was a tree farmer, fisherman, traveler and outdoor enthusiast. He was a member of First Methodist Church in Baton Rouge and was a friend to many, young and old. We honor his death by celebrating his life on Sunday, December 30, 2012, with a Memorial Visitation from 1-4 p.m. at the Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government Street. Honorary pallbearers and dear friends are Jerry Campbell, Charles Cole IV, Clayton Domingue, Jack Flowers, Joe Lombardo, Eddie Newell, George "Pal" Simon III and Richard "Dickie" Sitman. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge or Greensburg, LA or a charity of your choice. Please visit www.rabenhorst.com and sign the online register.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Nancy, I just heard about your dad's passing. So sorry for your loss; he was such a good man. May God bless you and your family at this time.
Judy Singleton
January 15, 2013
Nancy Your Dad was one of my favorite people. You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts.
Linda Henry@The Henry Agency
Linda Henry
January 2, 2013
Harriet I was so saddened to hear of the death of JW. Although I never met him he was always a BIG part of your funny stories of life on the farm.
Please accept my condolences.
Pam Clary
December 31, 2012
Mrs. Harriet, Nancy, and Gabriela...so sorry to hear of Mr. J.W.'s passing! He was a wonderful man and will be missed! So many wonderful memories of all the years ya'll were in Cocodrie with the lugger! God Bless ya'll in the new year! Love, hugs and prayers,
Tania Lapeyrouse-Griffin, Leroy and Cody Griffin
Tania Lapeyrouse-Griffin
December 31, 2012
Nancy, so sorry or your loss. I know through Tracia what a fine man he was. How lucky to have had such a great Dad all these years. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending love and prayers, Pat and David Hanchey
Pat & David HANCHEY
December 30, 2012
Harriet and Family..My thoughts are with you..sorry couldn't br there..he will be missed..
Carolyn Major
December 30, 2012
Harriet and Nancy, Please accept our sympathy for your loss. Craig And Ashley Alberty
December 30, 2012
I thought a lot of your husband and father. I know he will be missed and you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Leonard Henry
December 30, 2012
Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family at this very sad time.
Phyllis Laurent
December 30, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. My Prayers are sent to you and your family. May You feel Gods grace during this time of need
Patti Wells
December 29, 2012
nancy, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am out of town and can not make the service but I wanted you to know I am thinking of you.
Debbie Roussel
December 29, 2012
Nancy, sorry for your loss. God's blessings be with you and your family.
Susan de Vries Sheetz
December 29, 2012
We are sorry for your loss we are praying for you. God bless you all
Love
Jason Mecklin Berta Analeigh
jason Soules
December 29, 2012
Farewell, old friend. It was a great ride!
Love you Harriet,Nancy,and Gabriella.
Sic transit gloria.
Robert Pape
December 29, 2012
Miss Harriet, Nancy, Caye and Gabee: what a strong patriarch y'all had in J.W. They broke the mold when God made him. I loved to hear him laugh and tell a tale. You have so many, many great memories from his time here with you and y'all all have his strength also.
Liz Jesse
December 29, 2012
It can be so hard to face the new year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Belinda (Carter) Sanchez
December 29, 2012
Mandy Claxton
December 28, 2012
Mrs Harrett and Mrs Nancy,
I was in words of shock when I heard about Mr JW passing prayers are being sent your way. May God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Love and Prayers,
Mandy Claxton
December 28, 2012
Ms Harriet and Nancy,
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. J.W.'s passing. May the peace of God be with all of you now and in the days to come.
Janet Meyer
December 28, 2012
Ms. Harriet, Nancy and family, we were truly sorry to hear of the loss of our good friend and neighbor, J. W. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Darwin & Judy Brecheen
December 28, 2012
You will be greatly missed!
Ernie and Debbie Gill
December 28, 2012
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Funeral services provided by:
Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
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