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Robert William Cofer

About

Northeast High School Baker University University of Iowa

FUNERAL HOME

Speaks Suburban Chapel

18020 E. 39th St. S

Independence, Missouri

Robert Cofer Obituary

Robert William Cofer, 74, went home to Jesus Christ on Thursday, March 13, 2003 at Independence Regional Health Center. Memorial Services will be 12 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at Christ United Methodist Church, 14506 E. 39th St., Independence, MO. Visitation will be Friday, March 21, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Church. The family suggests contribution in lieu of flowers to Christ United Methodist Church or the Music Scholarship Fund, Baker University, Baldwin, KS 66006. He graduated from Northeast High School in 1945. From there he went on to Baker University where he obtained his BA and graduated in 1949 and was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. On August 13, 1949, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Carolyn. He taught in Osawatomie, KS from '49-'52, and then at University HS in Iowa City while obtaining his MA at the University of Iowa. After graduating in '54, he and his wife came back to KC. He taught vocal music for one year at Central High School, Kansas City, and for 29 years at Van Horn High School, Kansas City. In '64 he was ordained as a music minister in the Methodist church and served at First Methodist, Independence from '56-'82, and First Christian, Independence, from '82-'90. Throughout his lifetime, he was a member of AGO, NaFOMM, ADM, MMEA, and MSTA. He was the Past President of Inter-City Kiwanis and Past Best of Photography for Independence (CCCC and CAA). He directed at Theater Under the Stars at Loose Park and was involved in the Independence New Youth Theater. He served as past President of CMA, was a Music Chairman/ Board Member of CAA and was involved in the Mayor's Christmas Tree. One of his greatest passions was singing. he was in the KC Chamber Choir for 7 years, the KC Civic Chorus for 16 years, the KC Symphony Chorus, and the KC Lyric Opera. His survivors include his wife of 53 years, Mary Carolyn Cofer; their children: Carolyn Kahler and husband Brent, of Blue Springs, and their children, Brent Kahler, Jr., and Stephanie Kahler; Marcia Cofer, of Independence, and her daughter April Stone; Robert Cofer, Jr. and wife Connie Cofer, of Blue Springs, and children Lori Lanier, Lynn Salinas and husband, Augustine, Joel Beckman, and Ryan Cofer, Maribeth Kammert and husband Jack Kammert, Jr., of Independence, and their children Ashley Kammert and Scott Kammert; eight great grandchildren; sister, Norma Corkern, of Independence; brother-in-law, John Crabb, of Kansas City North; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel.)

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kansas City Star on Mar. 18, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Cofer

21 Entries

Bill Hunter

November 23, 2021

Mr. Cofer was my concert choir teacher for my four years at Van Horn HS. He was great, he made choir so enjoyable. A wonderful teacher and man.

Melanie Bunge

April 14, 2003

I had the pleasure of knowing Bill Cofer through his daughter, Maribeth. He attended the same church and I was priviledged to hear him sing often. His music was always meaningful and deeply felt. Numerous times I simply had chills running down my back.

I was also blessed to see him as the "family man" which was so much a part of his character. He and Mary Carolyn raised a wonderful family. It is so refreshing to see a man who relates so well to his children and grandchildren. Those are just some of the memories I have of Bill Cofer. He was simply a wonderful human being. To have known him was a true honor. I pray his family will hold fast to their memories and cherish them always.

Janis Kammert Bolfeta

April 13, 2003

I had Bill Cofer for my teacher in choir at Van Horn for one year (1970-1971). I remember when I auditioned for choir, I was so nervous, but Bill was so kind! I really don't think I could carry a tune in a bucket, but he still let me be in the choir. We had such fun, singing in musical productions and we even cut an album! The best memory was when we sang at our high school graduation. Some years went by and Bill came back into my life when my brother, Jack, married Maribeth, his youngest daughter. One year, we had the pleasure of Bill agreeing to take a portrait of myself and my siblings for my parents' Christmas present. I'm not sure what he thought of us when, after taking several "nice" pictures of us, we all pulled pantyhose over our heads to make horrid faces as a joke present for my parents, but, again he was kind and did not express any dismay at our "humor". Bill was a joy on earth and he will be sorely missed by all who had the good fortune to know him. I was touched by his kindness and I am thankful that he and his family came back into my life through my brother's marriage into the Cofer family. My deepest sympathy and prayers to all of his family in their loss.

Deanna Frank

March 29, 2003

Through the years, our family has had such a soft spot in our hearts for Uncle Bill. I have so many wonderful memories of his laughter, his kindness, his love for his children and grandchildren, his beautiful photographs, his model trains...... there's not enough space to tell it all! Whenever I watch a musical, I always think of him, because I was introduced to musical theater by going to his productions at Van Horn. Reading this guest book has reminded me again of what an impact a life well-lived can leave on others. The most important thing Bill left, though, was his legacy of faith. I will miss you, Uncle Bill, but I look forward to seeing you again in heaven!

Deanna Frank, niece

Sapporo, Japan

Jim Gall

March 27, 2003

Bill Cofer was one of the main reasons that being a student at Van Horn High was a great experience for me. I was an athelete and kept pretty busy there, but Bill challenged me in other ways which helped me be a more well rounded person. Boy we had fun! Concerts, ski trips, state contests, musicals, and countless other activities ALL with Bill at the helm. Thank you Bill. JIM GALL(76)

Kelley Hazen

March 26, 2003

Knowing Mr. Cofer changed my life. he was one of the pillars that held me up as a young person and helped me see the kind of human being I wanted to be. He encouraged me always to work to achieve my potential. And he rejoiced in my successes. Some of the greatest times of my young adulthood were with Mr. Cofer and the friends I made in Concert Choir. He took good care of us as our teacher and gave us the joyful gift of music. He will always be in my thoughts and never far from my heart. God bless him and his family.

Joe Gall

March 23, 2003

I graduated from Van Horn in 1970. Althought I didn't join choir, I knew Mr. Cofer to be a wonderful and much loved teacher. After high school, I ran into Mr. Cofer on many occasions and he always remembered me and was interested im my life and family. His many fine qualities were also evident in his daughter, Maribeth, who we came to know when she taught at our childrens' elementary school, Bryant. Mr. Cofer was a fine man and will be missed. God Bless.

Joe Gall

Doug Roberts

March 22, 2003

Mr Cofer was a great teacher...I am just one of the many people who were blessed by his touch. We will all miss this fine man.

My heart goes out to His family and my prayers are with them.

Doug Roberts

Ruth Bucey

March 20, 2003

I knew Mr. Cofer to be a great father to my very dear friend, Marcia. He was always very kind to me as a teen, and always very intrigueing and creative as I grew older and could appreciate the kind of man he was. I am very blessed to own a piece of his artful photography. He had a great eye for the beauty of the earth and it showed through his work as a photographer. What a great and wonderful person he was.

Marcia was a very devoted daughter and loved watching football with him almost every Sunday. She loved spending time with her dad and was never far away when he called. Thanks Bill for loving my friend and her family so very much!! You will be missed.

Donna Short

March 20, 2003

Since hearing of Mr. Cofer's death, I have been remembering all the great times we had in Concert Choir. I attended Van Horn from opening day of the brand new high school and enjoyed being in his classes for 5 years. My daughters Michelle and Leslie McGuire were also fortunate to be in his classes. I will always remember Vantasia and all the musicals we perfomed under his direction. He was a wonderful teacher and a great human being.

Donna Wade Short

Van Horn Class of 1960

Sharon Wingo-Hutchens

March 20, 2003

I never had Mr. Cofer for a teacher--I loved to sing, but didn't have the self confidence to join any activity. But, I was able to get to know him through friends of mine that were in choir and he seemed to genuinely like young people and music. My mother went to high school with him at Northeast and she also spoke highly of him. I'm sure he will be missed by hundreds of former students, faculty and family. This website is a great way to honor him.

Richard Piland

March 19, 2003

Bill Cofer was one of the most possitive influences on my life. He took a kid with a decent voice and taught him how to sing and convinced him that going to college was the thing to do after graduating in 1962. Because of him and a few other teachers at Van Horn High, I went on to college, ultimately earned a Ph.D. and taught at the university level for eighteen years.

He was always a friend, trying his best to steer me in the right direction. My brief visit to Independence two years ago enabled me to renew that friendship with Mr. Cofer and Mary Carolyn. Even though much had changed in Independence since 1968, the warmth and affection the Cofers had for a former student was the same as they had for me forty years ago. We shared a love for music, theatre, singing, and model railroading.

Bill Cofer made the world a better place by his presence. He made his students better people by his guidance and touch. He made such beautiful sound. He was truly a wonderful man and I was blessed for having known him.

Joyce Tatum

March 19, 2003

Mr. Coffer was a wonderful music teacher, respected by all his students. The choir in heaven has gained a beautiful voice. We were blessed to have him as our music teacher at Van Horn.

Debbie Flathers (Honn), VHHS '71

March 19, 2003

Mr Cofer was a wonderful teacher and an inspiration to us with his patience and interaction with us in choir. I know he is directing the Angels choir in Heaven. He will be greatly missed.

fred hendrix

March 19, 2003

Where would I have been if not for teachers like D.R. Smith and Mr Cofer. Mr. Cofer was my teacher and inspiration,What I have become the things I have done was due to this man beleaving in me and giving me guidance. We will all miss him. Fred Hendrix

Karen (Shuttleworth) Keithley VHHS '65

March 18, 2003

Mr. Cofer was an inspiration to many of us at Van Horn that loved to sing. There are many moments that I will remember about him during those years. I was also privileged to take private lessions from him during the summers. He helped me so much.

BJ....my son, Chris Keithley, also sends his thoughts to you.

Donna Wieligman

March 18, 2003

Mr. Cofer was one of my brother-in-law's fraternity brothers. He also was music teacher to several of our children when they attended Van Horn. What a pleasant fellow. A very dedicated person. The world has lost a very special person.

Connie Dinan (Scott)

March 18, 2003

I will always remember Mr. Cofer as one of my favorite teachers. I learned to love and appreciate all kinds of music. He was so much fun as a teacher. He was a very kind and patient man and always made us feel good about ourselves. That is probably why we were First Place State Girls Choir Champions for alot of years consecutively while he was our music teacher

. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. I am grateful that Mr. Cofer was part of my life growing up and for his great example he set for kids. His love for Jesus always shined upon him. He is in Heaven directing the angels and teaching them some fun music.

Love and Prayers,

Connie Dinan Scott- Van Horn High School 1973

Jennifer (Newton) Cooper VH '82

March 18, 2003

Mr. Cofer will be missed on this earth, but I know he will be making beautiful music in Heaven!!

I was lucky enough to have him as my vocal music teacher in high school. He was very passionate about music and shared that with everyone who entered his classroom.

NANCY RAE

March 18, 2003

TO THE FAMILY OF WILLIAM COFER: MR. COFER WAS A GREAT MENTOR TO ME MY SENIOR YEAR (68). HE ENCOURAGED ME TO TRY DIFFERENT THINGS. MR. COFER WAS A FANTASTIC TEACHER AND FRIEND. HE WILL BE MISSED GREATLY. I CAN SEE HIM NOW LEADING THE CHOIR OF ANGELS. MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH THE COFER FAMILY.

WITH SYMPATHY

NANCY A. RAE

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