Lee Patrick Coffey

1926 - 2018

ADRIAN - Lee Patrick Coffey, age 91, passed away peacefully June 3, 2018, under the compassionate care of Hospice of Lenawee and surrounded by his family.
He was born June 9, 1926, to Elmer and Grace Coffey and grew up in Tecumseh. Lee married Louise (Smith) Coffey on Aug. 29, 1948, and she survives. Lee was a very proud World War II Naval veteran, serving as fireman 1st class (a snipe!) aboard LST 127 in the Pacific 1944-1945. He was also a proud life member of the Tecumseh VFW for more than 70 years. Lee served the VFW in multiple positions, from post commander to service officer. He spent untold evenings pounding the typewriter assisting fellow veterans to file claims with the VA.
After his military service, Lee was employed by the Tecumseh Products for 40 years. He also served on the Raisin Township Planning Commission. Lee was a Corvair aficionado, having owned almost every make and model, including his Rampside pick-up and a Lakewood station wagon. Their real pride and joy was the convertible he and Louise would ride in the local parades and car shows. One year they even drove their GreenBrier van to Charlotte Motor Speedway! Since all three sons learned how to drive on manual-shift Corvairs he could change a clutch blindfolded!
For almost 20 years Lee and Louise escaped the Michigan winters and stayed warm in Frostproof, Fla. They enjoyed cards (euchre) at their snowbird park's community center, local swap meets and relaxing with friends and family.
Lee is survived by his wife of 69 years, Louise; their sons, Mike (Marilyn), Rick and Bill (Ginger); grandchildren, Anne, Cory, Joy, and Kurt; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his 11 brothers and sisters.
Visitation for Lee will be at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, 2959 N. Adrian Highway, Adrian, on Thursday, June 7, 2018, from 1 to 3 p.m., with a short memorial service at 3 p.m., concluding with military honors by the Tecumseh VFW and the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. Lee chose cremation, for which a private, family service will be held for interment in Oakwood Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the Coffey family suggests a memorial contribution to Hospice of Lenawee. www.PurseFuneralHome.com.