Perry Joseph Coffelt

Fun-loving, hardworking, and steadfast are just a few of the words that come to mind when reflecting on the life of Perry Joe Coffelt, however, the thread that is woven most frequently throughout his tapestry in time represents the love and devotion he had for his wife and children. He was a kindred spirit who didn't shy away from tackling a challenge or trying new things. The sort of person who was always doing something, Joe experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer, but what made these things so special was sharing them with his friends and loved ones. A devoted husband, he was blessed to have found his true love with whom he loved watching his children grow into the extraordinary adults who made him so very proud. Joe leaves behind a priceless collection of memories created from moments shared with those too numerous to count.

The 1960s were a memorable time in American history filled with numerous noteworthy events. This was the decade when we elected the young John F. Kennedy as our 35th President of the United States, only to mourn his death a short time later. Martin Luther King, Jr. brought civil rights to the forefront, and the United States successfully put a man on the moon, bringing an end to the space race between our nation and the Soviet Union. Amidst this eventful time was the year 1964 that was filled with unspeakable joy for a young couple from Columbia City, Indiana, as they were blessed with the birth of a healthy baby boy on March 15th. Perry was one of three children born to his parents, Eugene Sr. and Marie (Roberson) Coffelt.

Raised on the family farm alongside his brothers, Eugene and Keith, and his sisters, Donna and Fay, Perry, or Joe as he was usually known, experienced an upbringing that was typical of his generation. Growing up on the farm instilled within him a strong work ethic as the farm was a family affair. They milked cows at the farm until 1979. In his free time Joe enjoyed things like shooting birds and squirrels, but he also got into his fair share of mischief teasing his sisters. He often made faces at his sister to make her cry, only to claim that, I didnt touch her! One time Joe chased Fay around the house with a cattle prod, and although he loved tormenting his sisters, he also deeply loved them. A student at local schools, he excelled in his studies as he was the only one of his siblings to come home with a letter commending his academic accomplishments. Joe did find some free time here and there when he loved playing baseball with his brothers and friends. Although he was left handed and threw left handed, his brother, Eugene, did teach him to bat right handed. Joe went on to graduate from Columbia City High School in 1982.

New and exciting changes were in store for Joe when he met the woman of his dreams while working for Aldis in Columbia City and Huntington. Her name was Lori Laugle, and he was working as a manager when they met. Joe and Lori were know to tease one another including the time she threw a can at him! Their antics were all in the name of love, however, and they became husband and wife on May 11, 1990, at the Evangelical United Methodist Church in Huntington. This was the same year that Joe began working in the propane industry. In 2011, he founded Cider Mill Propane, becoming the owner and operator.

Throughout his life there was nothing of greater importance to Joe than his family. Together he and Lori were thrilled to welcome two sons, Braden and Colton, into their hearts and home. Not only did they raise their children in Whitley County, but Joe was only 100 yards away from the family home he was raised on as he and his parents shared the same driveway. Although he had high demands where his sons were concerned, Joes boys knew it was out of love for them as his greatest desire was to raise successful young men who knew how to work hard, too. Most importantly, he never expected more out of his boys than he was willing to give himself. Now 21 and 14, Joes boys sold firewood that the three of them cut and split together. Not only was Joe deeply devoted to his wife, sons, parents, and siblings, but he was also the beloved uncle among his nieces and nephews from Kentucky. In fact, they usually rushed past his wife to hug Joe first! His dog, Bella, was also a well loved companion as he often took her on trips in their Polaris or in the truck.

As his family and friends can attest, Joe was always doing something. He loved anything and everything that went fast. Joe was an excellent driver, and before governors were put on vehicles he mastered being able to handle his truck at high speeds in reverse. He had excellent balance and hand and eye coordination, too, which made riding the unicycle a breeze. It is not surprising that with his fearless personality, Joe got into the demolition derby along with his brother, Keith. The brothers, along with help from their father, built up their derby car and always did well enough to make it into the finals. Joe and his wife loved riding motorcycles, and he ended up getting his brother-in-law, Brian, into riding as well. Joe bought a motorcycle for himself, but since it ended up in Brians garage more and more over time it was kind of hard to tell. He was so proud of his 2009 Fat Boy Harley-Davidson. As much as he loved living on the edge, Joe also found peace just being around the bonfire while shooting the breeze with his family, friends, and with his kids friends, too.

With unending love for those around him, Perry Joe Coffelt was an extraordinary man to know and love. In many ways he was a kid at heart, and you knew you had a special place in Joes heart if he was teasing and picking on you. He was successful and knew how to work hard, yet he also knew how to play just as hard. He leaves behind a timeless legacy that will be proudly carried on by the two boys he cherished. Deeply loved by everyone he met, Joe will be forever remembered.

Perry Joe Coffelt, of Columbia City, IN, died on November 28, 2014 at 11:30 p.m. Survivors include his wife, Lori Coffelt; sons, Braden and Colton Coffelt of Columbia City; parents, Eugene and Marie Coffelt; brothers, Eugene Coffelt Jr. and Keith (Heather) Coffelt, both of Columbia City; sisters, Donna Akers of Logansport and Fay Busz of Columbia City; brother-in-Law, Brian (Holly) Laugle; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2014, from 2-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 3, 2014, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at South Park (Annex) Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given in Joes memory to the Hands Program I.C.O of the Whitley County Community Foundation.