2nd Lt Harold Allen Coe

Harold Allen Coe, Sr passed away peacefully May 7, 2017, in his home surrounded by family members.

The funeral service will be held Friday, May 12, 2017, at 2:00PM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater. Interment will follow at Dayburg Cemetery, on Quincy Grange Road with military honors presented by the Coldwater American Legion #52 Drill Team. Visitation will be held Thursday May 11, 2017, from 4- 7 at Dutcher Funeral Home.

Harold was born March 9, 1922, in New Hudson, MI, to Manford and Nina (Allen) Coe. Harold married Beulah Jean Crampton on August 29, 1942, in Bryan, Ohio; they continued their love for over 71 years.

Harold served in the U.S. Army during WWII, reaching the rank of 2nd Lt. before he was critically injured, receiving the Purple Heart. Harold was also awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and Bronze Star Attachment, WWII Victory Medal, Honorable Service Button WWII, Sharp Shooter Badge and Rifle Bar, and Marksmen Badge and Rifle Bar. Harold was extremely proud of his service to his country.

For over 62 years, Harold and his wife were the proud owners of their family farm. Mr. Coe continued to be actively involved with his farm well into his 80's. During this time he also worked at the Coldwater Regional Center for over 20 years, retiring in 1976.

Mr. Coe was a member of the Military Officer's Association of America, The American Legion and generously supported several organizations, especially those involving children.

Harold was a well respected, fastpitch pitcher on several softball teams, spanning from youth into his 50's. He was also an avid bowler for many years proudly claiming the 1965 Tri-State Championship Title. Harold shared his love of the outdoors with many while hunting and mushrooming. Prior to the war, Harold was a Golden Glove Boxing Champion. In addition to mushrooming together, Harold and Jean enjoyed attending auctions, traveling to his army reunions which included additional sightseeing, and taking a grandchild and friends so they could see what they enjoyed. Memories include playing cards, attending church dinners and of course Old Country Buffet.

Harold lived his life with honor and integrity. His love for his children and grandchildren, filled him with joy and had no limitations, and this extended to their friends the same as family. Harold held his friends and their families on an equal level to his own, rarely missing the special mile marking occasions of multiple generations. He transported and watched his grandchildren and their friends to many sporting events. And in return, his family and friends looked up to him as a leader and a mentor. He was always looking out for anyone in need and had a heart for those less fortunate.

Harold is survived by his daughters, Joyce (Michael) Jakl of Lakewood, CO, and Janice Szafranski Yesh, grandchildren Marni Szafranski, daughter Legend, Kyra Coe, daughter Jennifer Summitt, Heidi (Sean) McKisic, of Colorado Springs, CO, children Espen, Magnus and Maeve, Tony (Jennifer) Szafranski, children Coe and Kendyll, the late Cami Szafranski's daughter Alica (Brian) Welch of Ft Wayne, children Adalie, Coelie, Anistin and Westin Smullen and Cami's son Michael Ruhman of Lafayette, CA, step grandchildren Lori Rowland, Todd Jakl, Theodore McCormick, Rochelle Evans, Sean Zervoulakos, Mika Jakl, Allena, Zane and Annah Rowland and Turner McCormick, as well as nephews and nieces and their families.

Preceding Harold in death are his beloved wife, Beulah Jean, in 2013, his son, Harold Coe, Jr in 2010, granddaughter, Cami in 1987, and five brothers and one sister.

There are not enough words to express how much the oldest and last remaining member of the Coe bloodline and the neighborhood, Harold, Dad, Grandpa, Papa, Uncle, Friend will be missed by all whose lives he touched. We have not just lost the cornerstone but the entire building!

Memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes Association. www.dutcherfh.com