E. Ray Coffey

E. Ray Coffey passed away peacefully after battling complications from Alzheimer’s Disease on Dec. 30, 2012.  He was 87.  Eugene Ray Coffey was born on Oct. 12, 1925 in Austin, Colorado to Mary E. (Neff) and Oscar K. Coffey.  He graduated from Delta High School.  Ray served his country in the U.S. Navy as an electrician’s mate during World War II.   In 1948, Ray married Lillian Borders.  Together they had three children.  This marriage later ended in divorce.  In 1987, Ray married Darlene Geary.  They would have celebrated 26 years of marriage on Jan. 1, 2013.  During his lifetime, Ray was a Master Plumber, Real Estate Developer, and he invented and patented a pipeline mole.  He was a member of Montrose United Methodist Church; 50 year member of Eckert Lodge A.F. & A.M. No. 136; lifetime Member of B.P.O.E. No. 1053.  Ray loved to sing and dance.

Ray is survived by his wife, Darlene; daughter Kathleen (Brian) Kline of Glenwood Springs; Step-children Ron Geary of Craig; Danene (Daryl) Barberousse of Montrose; Ross Geary of Grand Junction; Grandchildren Tessera Coffey; Jesyka (Jordan) Frigetto; Jenese Sizemore;  Charlie (Alicia) Geary; Alycia Geary; Thomas Geary all of Montrose; and three Great Grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Mary Coffey, daughter Sandra Coffey, son Mark Coffey and his brother Robert L. Coffey.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013 at the United Methodist Church, 19 S. Park in Montrose at 1:30 pm.  Cremation has taken place and inurnment will be planned for a later date in Cory, CO.  Because of Ray’s love for singing, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the United Methodist Church Music Department.  Arrangements are under the care of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, Co.