Lt. Colonel Coy Deich

Lt. Colonel Coy James Deich Lt. Colonel Coy James Deich, USAF (Ret.), age 94, passed away on September 14, 2025, in Oxford, Florida, ten days shy of his 95th birthday.

Born September 24, 1930, in Eckerty, Indiana, Coy was the son of the late Levi and Gladys (Summers) Deich.

On April 12, 1952, just before graduating from Purdue University with a degree in Civil Engineering, he married the love of his life, Lila Estel (Allen) Deich. Their devoted marriage spanned 72 years. Lila preceded him in death on the same calendar date one year earlier, a reflection of their sweet love story and how closely their hearts kept step.

Coy proudly served his country for 23 years in the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. A career civil engineer and base engineer, his assignments carried him and his young family across the country-two tours in Colorado, Mississippi, Missouri, Alaska, and New York-and around the world, including tours in Japan and 2 tours in Korea. He was respected for quiet competence, steady leadership, and unwavering care for the airmen and communities he served. Yet his most cherished role was that of loving husband, devoted father, and faithful friend.

After retiring from the Air Force in Rome, New York, Coy returned to the family farm in Eckerty, Indiana, where he embraced a life filled with farming, gardening, hunting, boating, fishing, travel, and- most of all-family. In his later years, he became known as a thoughtful listener and a gifted storyteller who brought gentle humor and hard-won wisdom to every conversation. As age shaped his days, he moved to Boggs Lake in Loogootee, Indiana, attending the Washington Free Methodist Church, enjoying simple trips to McDonald's, wetting a fishing line, and puttering in the golf cart around the lakeshore.

In 2023, he relocated to Oxford, Florida. Through every chapter-whether in uniform, on the farm, or beside the lake -Coy lived with quiet devotion, a deep and enduring love for Lila and their children, and a steadfast spirit that touched all who knew him.

Coy is survived by his children: James "David" (Barbara) Deich, Mark (Teri) Deich, and Jo Ann (Jon) Spurr. Grandchildren: Jeremy (Jayme) Horton, Bethlena (Horton) Williams; Devin (Michelle) Deich, Aaron (Heather) Deich; Jared (Nicky) Deich, Joshua (Amanda) Deich, Keri (Charlie) Simmons, Richelle (Bryan) Dietz; Jacob Spurr, Jason Spurr, and Jonathan "Jack" Spurr. Great-grandchildren: Justin Clark, Elijah Horton, Xavier Horton; Jackson Deich, Brady Compton, Kayla Compton, Leaha Compton, Braeden Fields; Nathan Deich, Matthew Deich; Kaori Harris, Arwen Deich; Bryan Dietz, Victoria Dietz. Along with his parents, Coy was preceded in death by his beloved wife Lila, his daughter Linda (Deich) Horton, Clem, and siblings Leroy Deich and Mary (Deich) Underhill.

Celebration of Life: September 26, 2025, at Denbo Funeral Home, English, Indiana. Visitation from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, followed by a service at 12:00 PM officiated by Reverend Adam Conder. Burial to follow at Taswell Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Buffalo Crossings Assisted Living, 3890 Woodridge Dr, The Villages, FL 32162.

Condolences may be shared online at www.denbo-dillmanfuneralhomes.com

Denbo Funeral Home in English, Indiana, is honored to serve the family of Lt. Colonel Coy James Deich