Ardmore, Oklahoma – Tucked behind a stand of trees on Indian Hills Road lies a piece of the city’s heritage that many residents never knew existed: the historic Cole Cemetery, formerly known as Yates Cemetery. The burial ground, which dates back at least 135 years and contains the remains of 75 individuals, has been cared for by a single family since its rediscovery three years ago.
Family roots spark preservation mission
Kevin Langley, a direct descendant of the Cole family, says he only learned of the cemetery when relatives who had stumbled upon it shared its location with him. “As we get older, we kind of realize our own mortality, so just coming out here over the years, I felt inspired to try to do something,” Langley explained.
Langley’s grandfather purchased the land after it had served the community for generations. The family now hopes to learn more about the people interred there, but months of research have left many questions unanswered. “I realized it’s too big. One family can’t do this,” he admitted, underscoring the need for broader community involvement.
Generations of Ardmore buried on the site
Among the graves are early settlers, infants, local public servants and veterans of multiple wars. The first recorded burial predates Oklahoma statehood, and a marker identifies a six‑year‑old boy named James Lee. A later stone honors George Washington Cole, the patriarch whose lineage connects directly to Langley.
“This is the Segler family! This is Leslie… I believe he was an officer of the law before he was captain of the Ardmore police department,” Langley said, pointing to a veteran’s headstone. The presence of veterans underscores the cemetery’s role as a silent testament to the sacrifices made by those who served the nation.
Neglect spurs action
Overgrown trees, fallen limbs and missing flag poles have turned the once‑respectful site into a hazardous area. “There’s trees falling over where there should be flag poles and green grass. I just want preservation. My goal is safe access,” Langley said.
To move the project forward, Langley has reached out to Carter County officials for guidance on access, burial procedures, and potential partnerships with monument companies. “How do we get in? How do we get buried here? Who do we pay for digging the grave? How does the monument company get in here?” he asked.
Community call to protect a legacy
The Langley family’s effort reflects a broader desire among Ardmore residents to safeguard local history and honor the ancestors who helped build the town. By preserving the cemetery, they aim to ensure that every person buried there—whether a child, a police captain, or a veteran—remains remembered by future generations.
Local historians and genealogists have expressed interest in assisting with research, offering the promise of a more complete narrative for the site. As the family continues to document names and stories, they hope the cemetery will become an educational resource as well as a place of reverence.
Next steps
Langley plans to organize volunteer clean‑up days, seek modest funding for fence repairs, and work with the county to establish clear access routes. He invites anyone with a connection to the cemetery—whether through ancestry, military service, or a love of Ardmore’s history—to join the preservation effort.
“Overall, to make sure every person buried in Cole Cemetery is never forgotten,” Langley affirmed, echoing the sentiment that honoring the past strengthens the community’s shared values.
Original reporting: KXII News 12 (Gray) — read the source article.
