Services were held April 29 as Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson for Harry Leonard, Coil, 88, of Jefferson.
The Rev J. Alexander of Central Christian Church offered words of comfort. Honorary bearers were Anthony Arbuckie, Jeremy Daswon, Lori Finley and Travis Dawson.
Interment was at the Jefferson municipal cemetery with military rites by a United States Army honor guard, VFW Post 9599, and Floyd Brown American Legion Post 11. Christopher Finley played Taps.
Harry Leonard Coil was born October 20, 1933 in Jefferson. He was the second son of Marion and Mildred (Bedford) Coil. Harry attended school in Jefferson. He quit school to take care of his younger siblings due to his mother’s failing health. When Harry was of age, he joined the Army and was sent to Korea. While in Korea, he was promoted to Sergeant by Admiral Mark Clark.
Harry was wounded in combat. The officer told the men not to light a cigarette because a sniper would see the flame and shoot. Someone lit a match to light a cigarette and Harry got caught in crossfire. He was hit in the back, leg, and arms. He was brought back to the states and sent to the VA Hospital in Denver, CO to recuperate. While he was there he met President Eisenhower. President Eisenhower took Harry and others out on his boat to fish while he was there.
When Harry returned home to Jefferson he met and married Patricia Peterson in 1959. To this union five children were born: Perry, Lisa, Patrick, Andrew and Stephen.
Harry led an interesting life. While living in California, he worked at several places but his love was the Orange County sherriff’s department, working at Dana Point Pier Harbor as a dispatcher. While working there he helped with a shipwreck of two Naval ships. He received two commendations: one from President Nixon, and another from a Navy admiral. Harry was a member of Interpol. He also was nominated and received Patrolman of the year. He met many movie stars including John Wayne, Rachael Welsh, Andy Devine and many others.
Harry was very proud of his children. He took Perry, Patrick and Andrew through Indian Guides. Indian Guides was where the kids learned about Indians, making teepees, and camping out like the Indians did.
On April 8, 2000, Harry married Marietta Annunzio at Central Christian Church in Jefferson. They recently celebrated 22 years of marriage.
Harry Coil died April 26, 2022 in Coon Rapids. He was 88 years of age. Preceding him in death were his parents; his son Perry Coil; brothers: Albert and Russell; and sisters Betty, Melba, Alberta and Marcella.
Harry is survived by his wife Marietta; brother Bob; daughter Lisa (Kevin) Jackson; sons Patrick Coil, Andrew (Tommie) Coil, Stephen Coil and nephew/son Anthony (Lorene) Arbuckle; stepdaughters Melissa (Jeff) Niles and Shelly (boyfriend, Dennis Easterlie) Dawson; grandchildren Sean Coil, Tara Coil, Kamerin Jackson; step-grandchildren Jeremy Dawson, Lori Finley, Travis Dawson, Shardae (Robby) Hadley; numerous great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
