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Richard L. Coykendall
06/14/1930 - 10/25/2010
Richard Coykendall Obituary
Richard L. Coykendall, 80, Santa Maria died Monday October 25th, 2010 at Marian Hospital due to complications from a fall.
Born June 14th, 1930, always was he proud to have been born on Flag Day. His parents Warren A. Coykendall and Fern Cook also had his older sister Alyce Mae. He attended the Cook St Elementary school, El Camino Jr High and graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1947. He attended USC prior to enlisting in the US Navy. He proudly served during the Korean Conflict and often recalled the times he spent in New York City and San Diego. He then went on to be a Lookout for the US Forest Service in the Los Padres Forest at Cuyama Peak. His career with the US Postal Service spanned 26 years and he retired in 1985 as Manager of Branch Operations at the Orcutt Post Office. After his retirement, he worked part-time at Sears & Dinos. Richard married Ola Mae Reed in 1961 after he met her at the Foursquare Church where he was the secretary and assisted in the building of the church. He was proud to be a 4th generation Santa Marian and love to share stories of his growing up on the Central Coast with his children and grandchildren about his great-grandfather who had homesteaded in San Luis County in 1852. Richard was a Past Master of Guadalupe Masonic Lodge #237 in 1983. He was a member of Al Malaikah Shrine, the York Rite bodies, and the Scottish Rite. Richard was a member of the Hope Community Church and so looked forward to stepping foot in the new Church which held its first service on the day of his fall.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Alyce Mae.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Ola Mae Coykendall, their daughter Vonda Damore and her husband Charles, their son Warren R Coykendall and his wife Jeodesa, and their grandchildren: Bianca and Anna Damore, and Angelyn Coykendall, and his nephews Frederick and Richard Jackson.
Richard will be remembered for his love of God and his family plus his dry sense of humor.
The Memorial service will held at Hope Community Church, 3010 Skyway Dr Suite F, Santa Maria, CA on Saturday, October 30th, 2010 at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Building Fund for the new Church at HCCSM.org or to Hope Community Church.
Arrangements are under the direction of Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory and Memory Gardens.
Dudley-Hoffman
Mortuary & Crematory
(805) 922-8463
www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Coykendall
Shirley Stewart
November 3, 2010
What a great guy Dick was. I can't remember not knowing Dick because of my cousin Ola Mae, his wife. Ola Mae, Vonda and Chuck, Warren and Jeodesa, and those precious grandchildren---how sorry we are for your loss of your husband, dad, and granddad. You will always treasure the memories of all the good times you had being together. Remember we love you and are praying for you.
Your cousin and cousin- in- law, Shirley and Ron Stewart
Rachael
October 31, 2010
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. It's comforting to know that God cares for all of us. The Bible gives us hope that one day we can see our loved ones again. On behalf of all mankind Jesus surrendered his soul. John 15:13 says “No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his soul on behalf of his friends.” Truly I am sorry to hear of the loss of your dear loved one and I hope these few words will bring you comfort and hope.
Dee Cadiz
October 29, 2010
Richard and Ola have been lifelong friends and I cannot begin to express our sadness in his passing. Over the years he has brought laughter, love and great moments of new thought into my life. Richard supported us in every way and often went above and beyond to show his friendship. He had a deep committment to God and his church. His family was the center of his world and he will surely be missed by all who have the privledge of calling him friend, Father, husband or Grandfather.
God bless you all.
Lovingly,
Dee and Mario
Russ Newell
October 29, 2010
I came to know Richard through our common Masonic work. He with Guadalupe Lodge am I with Hesperian Lodge. He was a great man and brother.
Susan Fulp (Lloyd)
October 28, 2010
I have known Mr. Coykendall since I was a little girl growing up across the street from him and he always had a smile on his face. I also loved his infectious laugh. Vonda, Warren, and Ola Mae, my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time.
October 28, 2010
Mr. Coykendall, was my supervisor at the Orcutt post office for a year before he retired. He was always fair and understanding with me. Condolences to the family...Lora Toles
Sue
October 28, 2010
I will miss sitting in front of Richard every Sunday. Plus seeing him at work every couple months. I will be out of town on Saturday and won't be at the service, but my thoughts and prayers are with you, Ola and your family.
Sue (from Dr. Popat's office)
Phillip B. Christensen
October 28, 2010
Mr. Coykendall was my Supervisor, various times, at the old Post Office (Cypress) and the few times at the Orcutt Post Office. He always was willing to help me and give me direction during the start of my Post Office career. Plus, i enjoyed the times he would bring donuts in the morning for the early crew at the Post Office. My prayers are with you Mrs. Coykendall and your family during this time.
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