Roger Lee Coe Sr

Bazetta Twp.- Roger Lee Coe, Sr. age 94, a devoted husband and father, died peacefully at his residence Tuesday evening. A lifelong resident, Roger was born February 7, 1923 on the family farm to the late Roger and Inez Coe. Roger attended the Cortland School, and graduated from Howland High School. He then attended GMI in Flynt, Michigan and Westminster College before leaving to serve in the U.S. Navy; during his service he attended Officers Training at Bethany College. After his discharge from the military, Roger attended Embry Riddle Flight School. Roger has an extensive career as a private pilot flying for Beckett Aviation in Youngstown. He was one of the first pilots licensed to fly instrument only flight. His family fondly remembers receiving oranges, grapefruit, and foods from all over the country from his stops. He loved to travel, especially with his wife Violet, with whom he relished their 53 years of marriage. He and Violet would hop in a car and drive several states away to visit family and friends or explore the beauty of a mountainside or beach. They went to romantic destinations like Fiji and Hawaii. Roger was a longtime member of Howland Community Church, he was an active deacon and choir member. His love of music, from singing to playing the trombone and piano, may have stemmed from his father who played in the original John Philips Sousa band. Roger was a nature lover, he loved farming and gardening which proved useful when trying to feed five children. He grew flowers as well to supply his "Angel" with bouquets throughout the year. Roger was a proud member of the Audubon Society. Roger is survived by his five children, Roger and James Coe of Cortland, Todd Coe of Maryland, Laura Coe Guinn of Missouri, and Sharon Coe Balzano of New Jersey. He has eleven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by the love of his life Violet, who died August 25, 2006; his brother James, and his sister Betty. Friends may call 9:30 to 10:30am Saturday, March 25th at the Lane Funeral Homes, Shafer-Winans Chapel, 164 N. High St. in Cortland; where the funeral service will be conducted at 10:30am. Interment in Howland Cemetery. Visit www.lanefuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences with Roger's family.