He was born in Amarillo, Texas and was a graduate of Belleville Township High School West. He worked as an engineering technician for IDOT and went on to work for several construction companies and the City of Belleville Engineering Department. Later in life, he worked as an ESL/HiSet instructor with St. Louis Public Schools and taught citizenship classes at the International Institute in St. Louis. He was ordained as a minister at First Christian Church of Belleville prior to becoming the minister at St. Peter’s UCC in Lenzburg. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time in nature, fishing, weightlifting, reading, and playing computer games. He is preceded in death by his father, Dr. John H. Coffey, his stepfather, Henry E. Miller, his stepbrother, Larry D. Miller, as well as grandparents, aunts, and uncles. His mother, Bettye J. (Goyne) Miller, passed away on Sunday, September 19, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn M. (Davis) Coffey; his children, Susan E. (Todd) Wade, Erin D. (Will) Marchand, Dr. Tara B. (Tim) Lawley; his grandchildren, Brittany Wade, Lexi (Chris) Durand, and Matthew and Aidan Lawley; two brothers, Stephen M. (Ann) Coffey and David H. (Jackie) Miller, his stepbrother Larry’s partner, Marilyn; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. at First Christian Church of Belleville with Doug Hargrave officiating. Friends may call from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the church that day. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Christian Church of Belleville, St. Peter’s UCC of Lenzburg, or the Siteman Cancer Center.