Dwight Allen Coda

Dwight Allen Coda was a man whose life was a testament to the values of hard work, simplicity, and family. Born on December 10, 1953, in Independence, Kansas, he was the beloved son of Albert and Margie Coda. Dwight's life was marked by a deep connection to the land and a love for the open road. He's now reunited with them and his grandson, Bayne Jeremy Newman.

Dwight's life was full of love and family. He married his first wife, Carla, in 1971, and they welcomed Dwight Jr. in 1972 and Becky Jo in 1980. In 1988, he married Tina, and their family grew to include Gary, Joe, Ryan, and Heather. By 2008, Logan joined the crew, making it a wild family of nine.

Dwight was a hardworking man, in his younger years he worked at Pittman’s Farms and then onto Springer Farms in 1987. He did everything from farming to trucking, but trucking was his true passion. He loved the open road. Logan, now 29, jokes that she's never been on a plane because Dwight preferred driving. Tina laughs that he always wanted her to join him on trips, but she'd just complain and sleep. The kids and grandkids loved being in the truck with him, creating memories they'll cherish forever.

Dwight had a green thumb and loved gardening. His love for gardening meant the family never had a canned vegetable. The kids remember hot Saturdays surrounding a plastic swimming pool, shucking corn and snapping beans. He also enjoyed woodworking, crafting beautiful hope chests, shelves, and end tables. Sundays were for music, with one of his thousand records playing in the living room.

Though a man of few words, Dwight could express almost any emotion with just a sigh. As a dad, he rarely needed to spank. If a kid lost his hammer, he'd just ask, "Where's my hammer?" and sit down and wait for a kid to bring it to him. Maybe a few "damn it boys," but the girls could get away with anything.

Dwight loved Mountain Dew, Pepsi, and big glasses of milk with ice. He hid his good snacks in the closet and wore long sleeve Wrangler shirts or bibs. You'd often find him watching "Gunsmoke" or "The Virginian," channeling his inner grumpy old man. As a younger man he also had a love for fast cars Dwight Jr. remembers a ride with Dad in his 1970’s GTO when he stopped to spin out on a snake in the road.

He dreamed of retiring and traveling the U.S. with Tina, enjoying the open road. Sadly, he passed away at home on May 17, 2025, surrounded by Tina and his kids.

Dwight is survived by his wife Tina Coda, siblings Debbie Trimble and Dennis Coda, seven children Dwight Coda Jr., Becky Starmer, Heather Newman, Ryan Frick, Joe Frick, Gary Dilley, and Logan Holmes as well as 11 grandchildren and 5 great- grandchildren.

Today, we celebrate Dwight for his hard work, love, and laughter. He lived life on his terms, and his legacy will inspire us all. You'll be missed but never forgotten.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 23rd from 5pm-7pm at Potts Chapel in Independence. Funeral service will be Saturday, May 24th, at 10am at Bolton Friends Church in Bolton, Kansas.