Jack Kenneth Coffelt

Jack Kenneth Coffelt left this world peacefully in his home with his loving family by his side on December 15, 2018. He was born in Sedalia, Missouri on July 6, 1923 to Harold and Velva Coffelt. He was raised in Sedalia and graduated from Smith-Cotton High School in May 1941. He was a blacksmith apprentice for the Missouri Pacific Shops before joining the Army Reserves in 1942 followed by reporting to active duty in 1943 at the Jefferson Barracks in Missouri for basic training. The barrack he stayed in was known as "pneumonia gulch" because it was so cold and damp causing many recruits to get sick. With an interest in flying, Jack became an aviation cadet and received his wings in March 1944. Our favorite WWII Fly Boy from the "Greatest Generation" was promoted to captain while assigned to the 347th Fighter Group and flew the 'fork-tailed devil" P-38 Lightning on the Pacific Theatre side. He accomplished 72 missions over New Guinea, Philippines, Borneo and Indo-China. Jack was very humble about his service. After the war, Jack earned a civil engineering degree from the University of Missouri –Rolla in 1950. He was recalled into active duty during the Korean War where he worked as a production procurement officer at Ford Motor Plant in Kansas City, Missouri and at GE in Cincinnati, Ohio. He retired from the USAF Reserves in 1966 as a major completing 24 years of honorable service. Jack married Catherine (Katie) Bohon on December 30, 1950 and was dedicated to their marriage of almost 60 years. They raised 7 children as he worked as an engineer moving through several cities before they settled in Pasadena, Texas in 1962. Working in the Spacecraft Center Area, Jack worked in the Engineering Division office which had the responsibility of designing NASA. He was then employed at Johnson Space Center (NASA) in 1966 where he worked for 20 years. Regarding his employment history, a couple of employers said Jack was "fair and square thinking more about the other man side than his own and his character is above reproach," and Jack is "very obedient to orders and his character is one of the best and I would recommend him to anyone who desires a perfect gentleman." Growing up, Jack collected stamps and coins and was an avid baseball fan. He played and pitched in several baseball leagues before and after WWII. His favorite team was the St. Louis Cardinals so a highlight was attending the 1946 World Series between the Cardinals and the Red Sox. Jack played with various bowling leagues up until 2013 with the Pasadena Rebels Senior League. He had a true passion for running and was a Master Runner. He completed several marathons including the Houston and New York City Marathons. He completed countless half-marathons, 10Ks and 5Ks. He was a member of the Al Lawrence Running Club. He was a Host volunteer with the Pasadena I.S.D. and an Envoy of Beta Sigma Phi. His most proud volunteer achievement was at Bayshore Medical Center from January 2007 to May 2016. His most cherished times were spent with his children. Whether spending hours looking for that perfect Christmas tree, crabbing in Clear Lake or swimming in the Gulf of Mexico from sunrise to sunset, dad was there. He faithfully attended whatever sport his children played and he was their number 1 fan. No matter which child, he enjoyed traveling, hiking, camping and even gambling. There was never a dull moment for him. His dedication was unsurpassed. His children adored him and in their eyes he was the best father in the world. He was a doting, loving and playful grand and great-grandfather attending numerous recitals, ROTC programs, fun-runs, sports activities and more. Five children and 2 in-laws survive. They are Connie Lawrence of Houston, Jackie Camfield and husband, John, of Pasadena, Joan Bolen and husband, Mark, of Clear Lake, Patricia Coffelt and husband, Chuck Patterson, of Driftwood, Adam Coffelt and wife, Jennifer, of Alvin, son-in-law Ty Lawrence and wife, Martha, of Dripping Springs, daughter -in-law Donna Coffelt of Spicewood. Grand and great- grandchildren include Kim Camfield-Snell , (daughters Karsyn and Rilyn), of Friendswood, Jenny McIntosh and husband, Amery (daughter Dakota), of El Lago, Allan Lawrence of Harrisonburg, Virginia, Andrew Bolen (son Luke), of Houston, Kelli Bolen of Houston, Jack Scott Bolen of Irving, Jacob Lawrence of Dripping Springs, Madison , Mackenzie and Jack Coffelt of Spicewood, Grace Coffelt of Alvin. Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine (Katie) Coffelt, daughter, Theresa Coffelt Lawrence, son, Ken Coffelt, grandson, Ian Matthew Coffelt, and son-in-law, Al Lawrence. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Campership Fund, 3110 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098. The memorial service is pending. Please check back for service date and time.