Melvin G. Coil of Manson (pictured, seated), longtime Jefferson resident, was honored Oct. 14 with 24 other centenarians by Gov Terry Branstad (left) and Lt Gov Kim Reynolds at a ceremony at the Scheman Building on the Iowa State University campus.
Coil lived in Greene County for 99 years until he sold his home in 2010 and moved to Manson to be close to his special friend.
He farmed north of Jefferson where he started a welding shop, building several items and doing welding and repair work for neighbors. He moved to Jefferson and opened a welding and repair shop in an old building that she shared with the ice house. He also kept the ice house running.
In 1964 he built his building, which he operated until he had an auction and retired on Oct. 25, 1974.
He was a member of the Jefferson fire department for several years before his retirement.
Coil turned 101 on Oct. 17, 2013. He still loves visiting with anyone.
