David Coey Obituary

David Conrad Coey

David Conrad Coey was born on October 20, 1930 in Chicago, IL to his parents David R. and Marion (Sullivan) Coey. He passed away on January 23, 2016 in Cape Coral, FL.

David is survived by his loving wife of 43 years Barbara Lou (Stephenson) Coey; children David R. (Silvia) Coey, Kurt T. (Tammy) Coey, and Deborah A. Clayton; grandchildren Olga, Liz, Chris, Ashley, Nicole, and Haley. He is preceded in death by his parents.

David graduated East Lansing High School in 1948 and spent 4 years dedicated to the US Navy. He attended Michigan State University for his undergraduate studies and continued and completed his Law Degree at the University of Michigan Law School. David practiced law for 50 years and retired at 80.

He was an avid reader of world history and enjoyed keeping up with current events and politics. He enjoyed sailing, traveling, and MSU Sports.

A Memorial Service will be celebrated privately. David will be laid to rest in Michigan. In his memory you may make a donation to the University of Michigan Transplant Center, University of Michigan Law School, or to the MSU Football or Basketball programs. David will be remembered and forever loved.

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

Published by Lansing State Journal on Jan. 26, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for David Coey

14 Entries

Dale Herder

January 20, 2021

Steady as she goes, navy shipmate and fellow Great Lakes skipper!

Dale Herder
Retired Navy
Skipper, Sloop ELIZABETH

February 16, 2016

Our prayers and thoughts are with you Barb and your family. He will be missed. Such a nice man.
Jim & Sue Fish

Jackie Vestevich

February 4, 2016

Dave was my mentor and my friend. He was wise and a wise-cracker, and his words stay with me and guide me every day. Dave had a unique way of zeroing in on the crux of the issue from the chaotic noise of any situation. With unwavering dignity, Dave made good things happen around him. He was a uniquely compassionate man, to people and animals, and he made the world a better place to be.

January 30, 2016

I came to know Dave when he and his law firm worked with us at Lansing Community College. Our mutual friendship with Tom and Barb Roberts added texture to our collegiality and growing bond.

But the real treat was several years during which Diane and I shared a dock at Irish Boat Shop, in Charlevoix, with Dave and Barb. There we swapped freshwater stories (90% true) about our sailing adventures on the Great Lakes and in the North Channel -- and SEA STORIES (50% true) harvested from our years at sea aboard U.S. Navy vessels in the '50s and '60s.

Our thoughts are with you and the children, Barb. We respect you highly, and we miss you at "our" dock.

To Dave we say, in the best of navy traditions, "Farewell and following seas, Shipmate; lines cast off, outward bound."

Dale and Diane Herder

January 30, 2016

Dear Barb and family, I was deeply saddened to read of David's death. Fred always spoke highly of Dave, and much admired his skill as a trial lawyer. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Pat Abood, Lansing, MI.

Lynn Lockwood Murphy

January 28, 2016

To Barb and Family,
So sorry to learn of Dave's passing. He was always such a good friend to my Mom & Dad. Dad specially loved swapping tales with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. On behalf of my family...Go Green!

Hans Schwab & Gary Scheuren

January 28, 2016

To Barb and all the family, we just can't tell you how heavy our hearts are. David will be sadly missed here on Lantern Hill. In all our busy lives, he had a way of making time stand still and made us hope for another few minutes of chat or one more story from the past. Having only had the last couple years to know him as a neighbor, we can't but count the short time as impactful and as truly a privilege to have known him. Some people glow with charisma and draw you to want more time in their presence; David outshined many in this way. We will greatly miss him. Our thoughts are constantly with you Barb... David couldn't have had a more caring and loving partner in life. You both have been blessed.

Shawn Hauck

January 26, 2016

As a friend David Coey was a man that gave you his attention and made you feel good about yourself with his way of making you laugh. I remember spending time on Lake Charlevoix with his love of sailing always having the cleanest boat in Irish's. Our thoughts go out to friends Barb, David, Kurt, and Deb. Your husband and father will be missed by all. We will remember all the good times and memories Dave gave us through the yeas.

Carolyn Hafer

January 26, 2016

My deepest sympathy to Barb and family. The memories of David in high school and after will always be with me. My prayers to Barb and his family.

George Nugent

January 26, 2016

I remember Dave from his days at the Foster law firm and his marriage to Barbara, who worked at American Bank and Trust where I was as well. Always a friendly greeting and good word from Dave! Will have good memories of a fine fellow and great attorney.

John Cotner

January 26, 2016

He was one of the finest trial lawyers I had the pleasure of working with, and one of the most delightful, intelligent and witty men I am proud to have counted as a friend. Thanks, Dave for all you taught me and so many other lawyers over the years, in and out of the office and courtroom. RIP. Condolences to Barb and the family.

Eldiva Thomas

January 26, 2016

Mr. Coey was a person that left a lasting, positive impression on everyone that had the privilege to know him. I enjoyed working with him at Dickinson-Wright, and hearing all of his 'life' stories. What an amazing life he led. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. The world has lost a wonderful and brilliant man.

Heidi Hopper

January 26, 2016

Great man! Loved sharing stories with him at Dickinson Wright, PLLC. Share in the comfort to all that had the pleasure to know such a Great Man!

Jack Hodge

January 26, 2016

As good a man as I have known!!! He will be missed by all who came into contact with him! His wit and intelligence were legendary and I am so glad my children got to know him! To Barb and the family, please accept our deepest sympathies! Irish Boat Shop and the Hodges will truly miss him!

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