Benjamin H. Coe, Jr., age 94, a lifelong resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Wednesday, December 27, 2017, at the Franklin House, Ft. Scott. He was born July 17, 1923, in Ft. Scott, the son of Benjamin H. Coe, Sr. and Katherine Bittner Coe.
He attended St. Mary’s Grade School (one of the first classes to attend), Ft. Scott High School, Ft. Scott Junior College, and Pittsburg State, graduating in 1948.
He served in the United States Air Force from 1943 to 1945 as a bombardier and was wounded over Southern France. He received the Purple Heart.
He married Alberta L. Taylor on May 23, 1953, in Ft. Scott. Ben worked for the Western Insurance Company for 38 years, retiring in 1986.
He enjoyed woodworking and refinishing items found at auction. He was an avid sports fan, always supporting his children’s and grandchildren’s activities. He was a member of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus.
Survivors include his wife Alberta; six children, Ben Coe and wife Lanza, McKinney, TX, Kevin Coe and wife Kim, Wichita, KS, Keith Coe and wife Carla, Newnan, GA, Marianne Garrison and husband Jon, Ft. Scott, KS, Pat Coe and wife Mitzi, Warrenville, IL, and Janel Blackburn and husband Lee, Ft. Scott, KS; a sister, Mary Elizabeth “Zibbie” Grove, Kansas City, MO; 18 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and special buddy, George at the Franklin House. He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Coe; and his parents.
Father Robert Wachter will conduct the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM Wednesday, January 3, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided. The Rosary will be prayed at 5:30 with the family receiving friends from 6:00 until 8:00 Tuesday evening at the Chapel. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic School and may be left in the care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.