1953-2025
Charles Donald Coe, Jr., most commonly known as Donnie or Coach, 72, of Cedar Vale, Kansas, entered into his eternal rest on October 29, 2025, at Pleasant Valley Manor, which had been his home for almost 3 years.
Donnie was born on August 18, 1953, in Tucson, Arizona, to Charles D. Coe, Sr. and Mary Ann Coe. A lifetime resident of Cedar Vale, he grew up and attended Cedar Vale Schools, graduating in 1971. After graduation he attended Coffeyville Community College, later transferring to Pittsburg State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. Upon graduation he returned to Cedar Vale, where he began his 30 plus year teaching and coaching career. Donnie taught psychology, health science, driver’s education, and physical education classes during his career. He coached football, basketball, baseball, track, as well as volunteering as a coach in youth summer sports as well. He loved all sports, loved coaching and shaping all kids, and even his own throughout the summers, as well as hunting and fishing.
On August 14, 1980, he was married to Pam Long in Shidler, Oklahoma. Donnie and Pam had two children, Emily Dawn Coe born in May, 1982 and Brett Alan Coe born in September, 1986.
Throughout his decades-long teaching and coaching careers, Donnie played a pivotal role and created a positive impact on the many lives he touched. Many of those who’s lives he touched, were the ones to care for him later in life after suffering a stroke and requiring assistance. Whether it was in the medical field, or simply helping him with day to day life, those people were a blessing and he cherished them deeply.
He is survived by his children, Emily Hargraves or Burbank, Oklahoma; Brett Coe of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; one sister, Beverly Simmons of Olathe, Kansas; nephews Erik Ankrom of Olathe, Kansas and Jake Simmons of Overland Park, Kansas; five grandchildren, Benjamin Hargraves, Gracie Hargraves, Presley Shea Perrier, Addison Kay Coe, and Brooks Wesley Coe; one uncle, Darrell Coe of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; plus numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles D. Coe, Sr., and Mary Ann Coe; his paternal grandparents, Charlie and Rita Coe; maternal grandparents, Chet and Dorothy Mills; cousin Brady Coe, and son-in-law Willy Hargraves.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m., on November 14, 2025 at the Cedar Vale High School gymnasium with pastor, Norman Reeves officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cedar Vale Museum, donations maybe left in the care of Shelley Family Funeral Home.
