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J. Coffey Obituary
J. Russell Coffey was the last WWI vet in the state, according to the Veterans Affairs Department. He died Thursday at the age of 109, said the Smith-Crates Funeral Home in North Baltimore, about 35 miles south of Toledo.
The funeral home did not say where Coffey died or the cause of death. He had been living in the Blakely Care Center, a nursing home.
Coffey, born Sept. 1, 1898, did not see action overseas. He enlisted in the Army while he was a student at Ohio State University in October 1918, a month before the Allied powers and Germany signed a cease-fire agreement.
Coffey played semipro baseball, earned a doctorate in education from New York University, taught high school and college and raised a family.
He drove his car until he was 104 and lived on his own until three years ago, according to the funeral home.
The other known surviving American soldiers are Frank Buckles, 106, of Charles Town, W.Va., and Harry Landis, of Sun City Center, Fla., according to the Veterans Affairs Department.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
111 Entries
June 17, 2020
Sounds like the fellow deserves a lot of dancing and cake and ice cream. Wowsers!! A good old guy!!
Amanda Blizzard
January 2, 2008
My "GOD" bless your family.
TAMMY GIBSON
December 27, 2007
Thanks for fighting for our country, you are a true hero!
Letha Meador
December 27, 2007
I'm sure he is sharing war stories in heaven now. Peace to all.
How you can show support
Mary O'Neal
December 27, 2007
You honored us with your life, now rest in peace.
Melissa Perdue
December 27, 2007
A true HERO in my eyes. God Bless and be with you.
Jason Legg
December 27, 2007
Thank you. You truly are a Hero in my eyes.
DENNIS HAYES
December 26, 2007
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY AND TO THE FAMILY WE WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU
David Mitchell
December 26, 2007
Your service is sincerely appreciated.
Earl Hurd
December 26, 2007
Mr Coffey, thank you for your call to arms and your call to duty. It will forever go noticed, if not only in my own heart and mind, again, thank you Sir!
The Holley's
December 26, 2007
We deeply appreciate Mr. Coffey's service to our Country! Sincerely,
Beverly George
December 26, 2007
Rest in peace. God Bless
Tina Kidd
December 26, 2007
No one really knows the struggles and pain unless they were there- I can only imagine- I applaud you and God Bless you!
JoAnn Sayre
December 26, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Betty & Elmo Mann
December 26, 2007
May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived. We appreciate Mr. Coffey's service to our Country! Sincerely,
Jennifer Warren
December 26, 2007
Thank you for making this world a better place-- I applaud you!!! God Bless You
Charles Goff
December 25, 2007
Thank you for your service to this great country. Rest in peace.
Stephen Florea
December 24, 2007
Thank you Mr. Coffey for your service.
John "Pic" Pickar
December 24, 2007
God Bless you Mr.Coffey as you report for duty to your loving commander Lord Jesus Christ. Thank-you for your proud service to your fellow man, and may your family and friends find comfort in your remarkable well lived life.
babs politoski
December 24, 2007
Thank You Russell for keeping us safe and sound. May God Keep you in his care to watch over us and to keep harm from us. Your Picture shows us you were a Proud man and we are proud of you. Thank you
Teena Welch - de Grandpre
December 23, 2007
Thank you from the bottom of my heart Mr. Coffey for what you did for all of us! God Bless!
From a daughter of a WWII U.S. Army veteran who has gone on ahead to meet you when you arrive.
USN, Airman Apprentice, Retired
The Parkers
December 23, 2007
I, too, had a father who served in WWI and my family and I wish to express our deepest gratitude that you and people like my father answered the call to help keep us safe.
Rex Gordon
December 23, 2007
God Speed on your final mission. May you be safe and protected.
A Fellow Vet: Rex Gordon, Tsgt, USAF, Retired
Glenn Flynn
December 23, 2007
You made a difference! Thank You!
Marie Elena
December 23, 2007
Thank you for your service to our country. God Bless you. May you rest in peace.
Robert Francies
December 23, 2007
Thank you Mr. Coffey:
Bless you and thanks for your service to our country.
M. L. Pritchett
December 23, 2007
Thank you for your service.
God Bless you.
Bill Barrett
December 23, 2007
Our country is the greatest in the world because of the willingness of men and women like Mr. Coffey who were willing to sacrifice for those at home. God bless you.
RON HANLEY
December 23, 2007
THANK YOU MR. COFFEY FOR ALL THAT YOU DONE FOR OUR COUNTRY.AS A FELLOW VETERAN I SALUTE YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU
Harry Simpson
December 23, 2007
Rest Russell, until you hear at dawn, the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
J. Chamberlain
December 23, 2007
Thank you Mr. Coffey for your dedication and years of service in the military and in life. May God bless you and may you be at peace.
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
December 23, 2007
REST IN PEACE, J. RUSSELL COFFEY
Kenny Coffey
December 23, 2007
Your name stamped in steel shall be FOREVER clutched in the tallons,as your spirit FOREVER soars high in the skies in the symbol of our great nation.THANK YOU for your service....COME by NORTH**COME by SOUTH**COME by EAST**COME by WEST...We were all gathered and united on [our great day] as strangers as we stood and upon those last [4] spoken words we are FOREVER..BROTHERS..HU..YAAH.........SEMPER..FI....B.V.C.
M. CHASE, US ARMY RETIRED
December 23, 2007
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO THIS COUNTRY. AS IS SAID IN SONGS TIME TO YOU TO JOIN THE OTHERS AND SING "AMAZING GRACE". AS A VETERAN OF 20 YRS OF MILITARY LIFE IN KNOW THE SACRAFICES WE ALL PUT UP WITH AND AM HONORED THAT I DID. PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT DID WHAT THEY DID MADE THIS COUNTRY A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE. NOW WE HAVE SONS, DAUGHTERS, GRANDKIDS IN HARMS WAY - HOPE U AND THE REST OF THE VERTANS UP THERE WATCH OVER AND PROTECT THEM. RIP FELLOW VETERAN.
Olivia Dishman
December 23, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
December 23, 2007
Thank you for your Service... May you rest in Peace...
December 22, 2007
God bless you Soldier.
You've had a long journey.
Enter into Heaven's gates, your loved ones are waiting with open arms.
The Henry Family
December 22, 2007
God Bless you for your great service to our country...and for enriching the lives of others with your story. May you rest in peace, and your family find comfort in knowing that you are with God.
Curtis Rivers
December 22, 2007
As one of the last remaining veterans of "The Great War" Mr. Coffey reminds us that we live in freedom because of heroic generations which preceeded us. We are honored by his presence, and we, as a nation of free beings, should honor his life and his passing. May God be gracious to him and preserve his soul forever.
Dorothy Akins
December 22, 2007
Thank you for defending our country. If not for brave soldiers like you, we would be in a country where we would have to cover our faces. Freedom is not Free.
Elise Crapser
December 22, 2007
Thank you for your service to this great country.
God Bless You.
God Bless America.
CJ
December 22, 2007
Thank you for your service...RIP.
Kristen Norwood Hullum
December 22, 2007
Mr. Coffey,
Thank you for your service to this great nation. I love that after all these years, you continue to receive such honor for your dedication as a warrior for our country. Thousands of men and women continue to follow in your footsteps as they lay their lives on the line in defense of America. You and the men that served with you all those years ago will never be forgotten.
With love and gratitude,
Kristen Norwood Hullum
Proud Sister of USMC Fallen Hero
Sgt. Byron Norwood
KIA 11/13/04
Fallujah, Iraq
ROBERT MEYER
December 22, 2007
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND MY GOD BLESS YOU.
Jim and Carol
December 22, 2007
A richly deserved rest for a job well done. Now he is with the Angels and a Guardian over us all.
God Bless you and Thank You Sir.
Keith Hensley
December 22, 2007
Thank you for your service to this country. Your life is an inspiration for many.
D. Doster
December 22, 2007
Thank You.
Dr Coffey's Summer home view
Scott Brownell
December 22, 2007
Dr. J. Russell Coffey may you rest in peace. God gave us an inspiring life. He lived for leading youth, heatlthy living and teaching others. Enclosed is a photo of the view at the Coffey Cottage.
Connie Denton
December 22, 2007
God Bless You...THANK YOU AND I SALUTE YOU
Alan Coffey
December 22, 2007
From one soldier to another. We share the same surname and occupation. RIP
Alan Everidge
December 22, 2007
Thank you sir for your service. May you rest in peace
Michael Hunt
December 22, 2007
God Bless you for your Service and longivity to enjoy the fruits of your call-to-duty. I am a fellow Veteran with a deep respect for those who have helped preserve our Nation. Rest in Peace Sir!
December 22, 2007
We are forever grateful in your service for protecting America. May you rest in peace Mr. Coffey. Thank You
JoAnn Baker
December 22, 2007
TO THE FAMILY OF MR.J.RUSSELL COFFEY, I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR THAT YOUR LOVED ONE HAS PASSED ON, I DO APPRECIATE HIM FOR ALL HE HAS DONE TO KEEP US ALL SAFE HERE IN THE U.S.A. REST NOW YOUR JOB HAS DONE. GOD WILL BLESS YOU,MR.COFFEY. GOD, WILL BE WITH THE FAMILY...THANKS FOR YOUR TIME IN THE SERVICE..
Diane Fowler-Hernandez
December 21, 2007
God Bless you and give you peace. My father was in WWI also and I salute you and your family for him. Thank you for all you did to make our country safe. I believe my father would have known you; his name was John Fowler and we lived in Columbus for a while and then in Hamden near Athens before moving out here to California. Peace to your family.
Monica Baker
December 21, 2007
God Bless you, Mr. Coffey. I salute & THANK YOU.
J. LARA
December 21, 2007
Thank you Sir. Your service to this country will not be forgotten.
I salute you.
Grace Dunn
December 21, 2007
My family and I want to say a heartfelt Thank you. For serving our country all these years..We salute You..The Dunns--NY
December 21, 2007
God Bless You and Thank You so much for your service.
Christopher Puterbaugh
December 21, 2007
GOD BLESS YOU.
PAUL
December 21, 2007
STILL DRIVING YOUR CAR AT AGE 104!!!!! J. RUSSELL COFFEY, YOU WERE AMAZING. I WISH I HAD YOUR GENES....REST IN PEACE.
The Chrzanowski Family
December 21, 2007
I hope you and all the men who served, know how much we appreciate you. God bless.
Vanessa Selig
December 21, 2007
Wow!! 109.That is amazing.All of the wonderful history that He has ever seen.May God Bless You.Sir! For serving our Country and for protecting us.You are gone but never forgotten.Rest In Peace,Sir....You deserve it.
Love Admirers,
Vanessa & Chris & Piper Selig
Walenta Family
December 21, 2007
God Bless You for your service to your country and your fellow man. Thank you.
John K
December 21, 2007
Thank You Sir.
MINDY
December 21, 2007
WOW! ONE HUNDRED AND NINE YEARS OLD! UNBELIEVABLE!! THAT IS AMAZING! NOW IS YOUR TIME TO REST, SIR. THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR DEDICATION TO US!! REST IN PEACE.
Bob Jones
December 21, 2007
May you cross the river and rest under the shade of the tree. I salute you Sir.
Carol (now a TX Buckeye :) Short
December 21, 2007
My grandfather was in WWI and I always admired him for serving our country, just as I admire you for what you did to fight for our freedom.
Thank you so much for your service and dedication to give all of us a wonderful country to live in. May your family find peace with God through the days ahead as they give thanks for all the wonderful memories they have shared with you.
Jeannie Harn-Dailey and Family
December 21, 2007
Thank You for all that you have done. Your service in the military will be one that will never be forgotton. You are in God's army now.. Rest, for you have traveled a long time..
A. SMITH
December 21, 2007
Take your rest sir and thank you!
Michael
December 21, 2007
At Ease Mr. Coffey, Your Tour is now Complete. Rest Well Sir, and Thank You.
LINDA TRACY
December 21, 2007
GOD BLESS YOU AND THANK-YOU FOR KEEPING US FREE.
Bud Springer (USAF, Ret)
December 21, 2007
Rest In Peace Mr. Coffey, and thank you for all the freedoms my family and I now enjoy. You did not shirk from from your duty, but met it head-on as you were honor bound to do. For this I SALUTE YOU!
Lesley in
December 21, 2007
Having been the wife of an active duty Air Force member, I know what it takes to be a survivor of a horrific life changing event! You as well as all the other men and women served their country, unselfishly, in order for the rest of us born later continue to enjoy our freedom because of people like you!! More over, I know you would do it again if asked or offered the opportunity!
Now you will be able to live the spiritual life and catch up with old buddies!
gerald williams
December 21, 2007
ty for your service to your country may all your falling friends be there to meet u at the gate to heaven god bless
Jason Kobek
December 21, 2007
Thank you so much for the freedoms that we enjoy, thank you for your sacrifice.
Martha
December 21, 2007
Just saying "thank you" can't begin to suffice for what this country owes you, but it's all we can do. So THANK YOU, Mr. Coffey. You are indeed my hero.
Gail Siegel
December 21, 2007
To The Family of J. Russell Coffey.
I would like to express my condolences for the loss of Mr. Coffey.
I would like to thank Mr. Coffey for the freedoms that I enjoy.
Rest In Peace, J. Russell Coffey.
Susan
December 21, 2007
Thank you Mr. Coffey for your service to this wonderful country! What an amazing time you had on this earth. God bless you and your family.
CGS
December 21, 2007
Thank you for all the freedoms I now enjoy.
P. Harris
December 21, 2007
RIP
M Andrews
December 21, 2007
I would like to thank You for your courages effort. You all have done someething that generations of Americans SHOULD appreicate.
ray interlandi
December 21, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Beverly Taylor Medical Center Hospice
December 21, 2007
Thank you J.Russell Coffey. The country has last a nearly extinct treasure.
Suzanne Taylor
December 21, 2007
Thank you sir for serving our country.
May you now rest in peace.
A Veteran Supporter
December 21, 2007
Thank you, Mr.Coffey, for your service to this great country we live in. Rest in peace.
Frank Roberts
December 21, 2007
God has truly blessed you in flesh and spirit. Rest in peace, and may God bless your family, friends and students for many years to come knowing your memory exists in their hearts, minds, and soul.
kim mitchell
December 21, 2007
we will be forever in debt for your honored service to our country. you will be missed but will live on as a great role model of what a true american should be.
Hartford, Connecticut
December 21, 2007
He was among the citizens who actually raised the kids that would become "America's Greatest Generation". May Mr. Coffey rest in peace AND may he be met at The Gates by the Honor Guard
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
December 21, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy to the Coffey family in the loss of J.Russell. Thank you for your service.
December 21, 2007
Rest in peace, hero. Your job is done. Thank you for all that you have done.
Rusty Shuler
December 21, 2007
I did not have the honor to met and know Mr Coffey but I do live a good life due to his service and protection of our nation.
Thank you for allowing me this opportunity.
You sir were part of our greatest generation.
May God be with you and your family.
blake
December 21, 2007
What an amazing life Mr Coffey lived. Thank you for your service to this country, bless your remaining loved ones, and may you rest in peace.
Katrina Mbionwu
December 21, 2007
The Lord blessed J Russell coffey with many years on earth threw good times and bad time. Mr.Coffey stood the test lived a long blessed life.Now you will live for ever with Jesus in heaven.
December 21, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
US E-5 SOLDIER
December 21, 2007
Thank you Sir,
For what you had given up and left which gave us what we have today... rest in peace
God Bless to family and friends!!
A True AMERICAN SOLDIER
Grateful Texan
December 21, 2007
Thank you Sir, for helping to make the world free for the rest of us. Rest in peace and we'll meet in another world.
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