He was a founding member of the International Aerobatic Club, taught aerobatics at the basic and advanced levels, and tutored many young aerobatic pilots for well over 50 years. In addition, he flew air shows throughout the continental United States from the late 1940s into the early 1990s. Though retired from the air show circuit, for well over a decade, he still counseled, tutored and announced for some young aerobatic hopefuls (and attended several air shows here and there) for a number of years.
Bucker owners will best remember Marion for flying N913CB, particularly at the 1968 World Championships in Magdeburg, Germany.
Marion's awards and accomplishments during his air show career include:
- 1952 National Aerobatic Champion
- Member of the United States Men’s Aerobatic Team in World Contest in 1968 in Magdeburg, East Germany
- Madame Claire Chennault Aerobatic Award, 1965
- Mayor Honors Awards, 1965, 1966, 1967, for achievements in aviation
- EAA #48 and Life Time member
- Member of International Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame, 1988
- 31,000 hours of flight time
Funeral services celebrating Marion's amazing life will be conducted on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 11:00 am at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home, Haughton, LA. Chaplain Larry Bass will officiate. Visitation will be held at Hill Crest on Monday, July 11, 2011 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Marion Cole Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Ouachita Independent Bank, 601 Fern Ave, Shreveport, LA 71105 or call (318) 459-3000.