David R. Coll

David R. Coll, 79, of Weatherly, passed away Sunday with is family by his side at The Summit Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, St. Luke's, Lehighton. He passed peacefully after a long battle of illnesses as a result of Agent Orange exposure during his service in Vietnam.

Born in Weatherly, July 24, 1945, he was the son of the late Leo and Violet (Kreiger) Coll.

After graduating in 1964 from Weatherly Area High School, David went on to serve honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was a faithful member of Salem United Church of Christ, Weatherly, where he enjoyed becoming the self appointed chef, cooking the homemade sauerkraut and pork and chicken and waffle meals for the annual fundraising dinners. He was also a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 360, Weatherly. David could often be seen working with his tractor, driving his grandchildren to school and buying his scratch off lottery tickets. Before his illness, he loved traveling with friends and spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, William Kreiger, Jack, Paul and Edward Coll; and son-in-law, Chris J. Blackwell.

Surviving is his wife of 55 years, Carol (Madson) Coll; two sons, Scott Coll and his fiancée, Beth Hollowell, Weatherly; Craig Coll and his wife, Kara, Wapwallopen; a daughter, Tracy (Coll) Blackwell, Weatherly; sister, Elaine Glowatch, Hazleton; nine grandchildren, Kali and her husband, Adam, Scott, Shane, Kloe and her husband, Chris, Gabriella, Abigail, Alianna, Carrie Ann and Colt; four great-grandchildren, Addison, Natalie, Eleanor, Jonathan; and one great-grandchild expected in January.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in Salem United Church of Christ, 330 First St., Weatherly, with the Rev. Sharon M. Frye officiating.

Friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m. in the church.

Burial will follow in Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salem United Church of Christ or the American Legion Post 360, 360 Veterans Lane, Weatherly, PA 18255.

Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services 211 1st St, Weatherly, is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.