Raymond Eugene Coffey
Raymond Eugene Coffey, 81, passed away peacefully at Columbus Regional Hospital on Friday, December 6, 2024. He was born in New Castle, Indiana on August 31, 1943, to the late Orlin and Kathleen (Burke) Coffey.
Raymond married Karen Millican on June 5, 1965, the same year he graduated from Ball State University with his bachelor’s degree. He then went on to receive further degrees from Butler University as well as Ball State University. A lifelong educator, he pursued a career helping special needs students and began the first job placement program for them at Seymour High School. But in 1994, God pointed him in a new direction when his son Michael, age 25, was badly hurt in a devastating automobile accident. Raymond temporarily put his teaching career on hold to care for Michael full-time while working a variety of jobs to support his family. He devoted his life to his son’s recovery and was proud of every milestone Michael reached. With Raymond’s loving care, Michael made such progress that together they were able to hike in Brown County and backpack in the Smoky mountains. Raymond’s other pursuits included running, bicycling, and sailing on Lake Monroe. He enjoyed reading, was an avid Indiana University sports fan, and was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Seymour.
Left behind to cherish Raymond’s memory are his beloved wife, Karen (Millican) Coffey; his son, Michael Coffey; brother, Phil (Connie) Coffey; sister-in-law, Mary Lou (Richard) Schwipps; and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, listed above; and his sister, Barbara Rhodes.
Funeral services for Raymond will be Friday, December 13, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Voss and Sons Funeral and Cremation Services, 316 North Chestnut Street, Seymour. Reverend Teresa Poole of First United Methodist Church will officiate. Friends may call at the funeral home Friday from 12:00 noon until the time of the service.
Memorial contributions in Raymond’s honor may be made out to Seymour Community Schools Special Programs or the First United Methodist Church of Seymour. You are invited to visit our website, vossfuneralservice.com, to leave condolences, order flowers, or share a memory.
