Kenneth Coe

Kenneth L. Coe

CHILLICOTHE: Kenneth L. Coe, 88, passed away on May 25, 2014, at home surrounded by the love of his family. He was gracious and always appreciative of his care throughout the four years of being bedfast at home.

He leaves his wife, Faye, to whom he had been married for 63 years. He looked forward to their 64th anniversary on September 3. He would have been 89 years old on July 7. He is also survived by a daughter, Marilyn Munsey; and a son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Debbie Coe, all of Chillicothe. He also leaves a granddaughter, Tricia Junk; three great-granddaughters, Ashton, Lauren and Kyla; and a niece and nephew, Dede and Kenneth Dornbush of Wintersville, OH.

He was born and spent his younger years in Wintersville, OH (Jefferson County). He graduated from high school there in 1943.

Upon graduation, he joined the Armed services. He was a Marine in the South Pacific for a little over two years in World War II. After 70 years, he still maintained a close friendship with a fellow Marine from Frankfort, KY, who shared the same birthday.

Many of his childhood friendships he had, he maintained as friends for life. He would make it a point to always stay in touch with them. He always had a smile when seeing or meeting people and they often commented on it. Even in his last days, he managed a faint smile.

In the fall of 1946, he entered Ohio University on the GI Bill. While there, he was on the football and track teams. He received his B.S. in Education in 1950 and his Masters in Education in 1952. He was a Charter Member of the Acacia Fraternity.

His first teaching job was in West Jefferson, OH, where h e also coached and drove a school bus. He remained there for 11 enjoyable years.

In 1961, he was invited by Superintendant Paul Hydell to interview for a principal's job at Tiffin Elementary School, in Chillicothe, where he remained for six years. He chose to experience the classroom again and went to McArthur School for three years as a fifth grade teacher. He finished his school career by serving as principal at Western Elementary for eight years. He chose a change of pace following 30 years in education by going to work at the Borden Company.

Former students still mentioned to him with fondness the Bicycle Club and rides he established while at Western School. He also joined them on the playground and would participate in softball and basketball games with them.

Activities that he enjoyed were various card games with men friends, duplicate and marathon bridge with Faye and many other games with family and friends. He also enjoyed bike riding and golf.

He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church for over 50 years. He was a life member of the Men's Brotherhood there. He worked with the teens and Boy Scouts and made visits to shut-ins. He also served on various committees for the church.

Other groups and honors that he was a part of include: life member of OEA, ORTA, RCTA. He received the Red Cross Hero's In Education Award, the Chillicothe Education Assoc. Education Emeritus Award, the George Hixon Award from Kiwanis, volunteered for Big Brothers, volunteered at Adena Hospital for six years and at Worthington School for two years.

He enjoyed working with young people and hoped that he had a positive influence on the many students whose lives he touched in 30 years of education.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Friday, May 30, at Trinity United Methodist Church, corner of Main and Mulberry Streets, with Pastor Kurt King officiating. Military graveside services conducted by the Ross Co. Veterans Honor Guard will follow in Grandview Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday from 1-3pm and 5:30-8:00pm at Haller Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Trinity UMC, 24 S. Mulberry St., Chillicothe, OH 45601. His online guestbook is available at www.HallerFuneralHome.com.