Charles Coe

Johnson Charles Coe passed away in Denver, Colorado, on September 12, 2022, at the age of 88.  Charles was blessed with a keen intellect and sense of duty and responsibility, and he used his many talents in service to his country and his family.  Throughout his life, Charles modeled thoughtfulness and grace, remaining cheerful, grateful, and optimistic in even the most challenging circumstances.

Charles was born in Luling, Texas, in 1934.  He joined the Air Force in 1954, rising to the rank of Master Sergeant.  He served his country during the Vietnam War with a tour in Thailand, working to maintain jet engines on military aircraft before retiring from the Air Force in 1976.  Charles then used his skills maintaining fighter jets to become a jet engine technician for private aircraft, joining Garrett Airesearch.  Charles retired from Honeywell as an exemplary employee, earning numerous accolades from his colleagues.

Charles was married to the love of his life, Sammie Mae Rice, for over 61 years until she passed in 2018.  Charles and Sammie spent their later years together traveling internationally (England, France, Italy, Canada and Mexico), and visiting relatives in New York, South Carolina, Maryland, Colorado, and Texas.  Charles was adept at all things mechanical and embraced new technology, such as installing cruise control in his car before the feature was widely available.  He enjoyed staying abreast of current events, and he would bring his practical and thoughtful views to any discussion.  He enjoyed playing double-deck pinochle with Sammie, bringing his analytical skills to the table and tutoring anyone who wanted to learn the game.  After Sammie passed away, Charles moved to Denver to be closer to his daughter.

Charles is predeceased by his parents, James P. Coe and Ernestine Coe.  He is also predeceased by his six siblings, Dorothy Beauregard, Cora DeWitty, Vivien Richard, Willie Coe, Thelma Nauls, and Andy Ray Coe.

Charles and Sammie had three children, Pamela Coe, Cynthia Coe, and Jeffrey Coe.  He was blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren, including Daniel Coe, Jacqueline Coe, Jessica Maxwell, Brian Bromberg, Danielle Bromberg, Laura Aragon, Elena Aragon, Christopher Aragon, and Maebelle Maxwell.  He is also survived by his daughter, Carolyn Steans, and her daughters, Lisa Steans and Monica Steans.  He is also survived by many loving nephews, nieces, in-laws, and other relatives, many of whom live in Texas and Colorado.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Pipkin Braswell Funeral Home in Denver, Colorado.  A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. prior to the service.

Charles will join Sammie and be laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on Friday, September 30, 2022, at 9:30 a.m.  He will be interred with full military honors.

Flowers and tributes can be sent to Pipkin Braswell Funeral Home, Denver, Colorado.  Contributions in lieu of flowers can be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association.