John Kenyon Coffey

John Kenyon Coffey, a longtime resident of Creston, passed away on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023 at Danbury of Wooster at the age of 95 after a period of declining health.

John was born on May 10, 1927 in Wadsworth to Harley A. and Marie (Colville) Coffey and was a 1945 graduate of Creston High School.  He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in May, 1945 and was honorably discharged on May 15, 1946 having served in California.  On June 20, 1948 John married Marjorie M. Reese at the Methodist Church in Creston and they were married for 67 years until her death on Aug. 10, 2015.  John was the third generation to operate the Coffey Agency in Creston, selling insurance and real estate.  He retired in 1978 having transferred the business to his son, Jeff.  John was an active member of the Creston Community having served on the Creston Fire Dept. for 15 years in which he served as Fire Chief for 4 years, was a member of the Creston American Legion Post 497 for 75 years, was a former member of the Creston Lions Club, and was a volunteer at the Creston Homecoming and Ox Roast.  He was a faithful member of Creston Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and a Deacon over the years and had delivered Meals on Wheels for a number of years.  In 1995, John was honored as a Creston Citizen of the Year for his years of service to the Creston Community.  John enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, boating, flying planes and skiing.  The Coffey family has many fond memories of trips to Canada over the years with family and friends and John, also known as “Crabby” leaves a legacy that will never be forgotten.

 Surviving are his five children and their spouse, George and Paula Coffey of South Carolina, Carol Johnson of Colorado, Jeffrey and Cathy Coffey of Creston, Gregory and Roxann Coffey of Wyoming and Sandra and Joe Hoover of Wooster; 9 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren, and nephews and niece, Dennis Meck, Bruce Meck and Joyce Warburton. 

John was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, a sister, Annetta Meck and a grandson, Russell Johnson.

Services will be Friday, Jan. 27th at 2:00 p.m. at Murray Funeral Home in Creston with Pastor Mike Van Arsdale officiating.  Burial will be in Creston Maple Mound Cemetery with military Honors.  Friends may call from 1:00 p.m. until time of services at 2:00 p.m. on Friday.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to LifeCare Hospice, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691 or to Creston Presbyterian Church, 13070 Cleveland Rd., Creston, OH 44217.

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