Birth date: Jan 31, 1948 Death date: Apr 3, 2024
A Celebration of Life Service for John Michael "Mike" Kolen, 76, of Birmingham, Alabama, will be held Monday, April 8, 2024 at 11:00 am at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Rev. Kurt Cooper and John Gibbons will Read Obituary
I saw and heard Mike speak at a tent revival in lake city florida,in 1971 maybe 1972,I was a football fanatic, I couldn't believe a Miami Dolphin football player was there,he spoke of faith and Jesus Christ,I was a young boy, I told everybody about him being here. Thanks Mike
I was always proud to have Mike as a cousin and a friend. He was a big hit when he came to speak to the Marshall County Auburn Club and I was honored to get to introduce him to the group. My love to his children and grandchildren. I know he will be missed by so many people. Martha McClendon
Mike was not only a magnificent athlete but he was one of the finest men I've ever known. His Christian faith was the most important thing to him and he was a great example for all of us to follow. He's in Heaven now and will be missed by all who knew him.
THE TREE WILL GROW TO BE STRONG, FEARLESS OF CHALLENGES JUST LIKE MIKE. A SYMBAL OF LOVE&FRIENDSHIP, A TEAMMATE-=NEVER FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE.
life is surprisingly short at our age . 1969 seems like yesterday. I owe Mike for helping me keep the faith when walking on at Auburn. His support will never be forgotten. He helped me believe when I needed someone to encourage me to go on. His friendship was solid and truthfull . Knowing Mike is a treasure I will always be thankful for. God has truely recruited a winner.
Mike and I arrived at Auburn at the same time as freshmen football players. We quickly became good friends which has lasted all these years. Mike was not only a great football player, but he was a great person. RIP Captain, your life made a lot of difference to many people.
A great Auburn Tiger a Miami Dolphin.
What a great nickname, "Captain Crunch", well earned on the football field. Our sincere sympathy to the Kolen family during this difficult time.
Frank and Wynnette Fryer
We lost another Great One,on ;and off the field!
Mike was a warrior like no other and lived his life like his often yelled quote at the beginning of football practice-
"If you aren't hurting, you aren't footballing"!!!!
What a lofty personal example of "being the best person you can be" ,Mike left us all to mimic ...
RIP Warrior
From your Pledge Brothers, wishing you and your family peace.
Mike was a great football player and what a great man. To be tackled by "Captain Crunch" was something - and then to be extended a hand to help you up and for him to say "God bless you brother" was and is unforgettable. He is Auburn history in all the positive ways that we all can remember and be proud of. He will be missed. Love you #54.
Terry Page #20
