Bill H. Coffey's Obituary
Bill H. Coffey, age 94, of Charleston, formerly of Ashmore, IL, passed away Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Villas of Holly Brook and Reflections of Memory Care in Charleston, IL.
Bill was born August 21, 1930 in Ashmore, IL, the son of Arthur and Hazel (Waters) Coffey. He grew up on the family farm near Ashmore and attended Greenwood School and Kansas High School. Bill farmed with his father and brothers. In 1943 he and his brother bought a farm and farmed together. The brothers bought the fertilizer dealership in Ashmore in the early 1960's. Bill ran the business, and his brother ran the farm. Later in the mid-1960s they purchased the John Deere Dealership in Ashmore and later changed the name to Bill Coffey and Sons John Deere. Bill sold the dealership but continued to farm with his son. He was an enthusiastic collector of John Deere toys, traveling to many shows purchasing and selling. Bill loved his family and was very committed to his community and friends in and around Ashmore. He dressed as Santa near Christmas, passed out candy to children, used his equipment to plow snow for friends and family during heavy snowfalls, and helped deliver medicine and groceries when the roads were blocked.
He married the love of his life, Madonna Irene Swinford on December 20, 1949. Together they spent almost 75 years of marriage.
Bill was very active in the community and he and his wife attended The Church of Casey. He was a member of the Ashmore Community Club (former Member of the Year), Coles County Farm Bureau (formerly named Farmer of the Year), East Central Illinois Antique Farm Equipment Club member, Ashmore Volunteer Fire Department, and past Board Member of Charleston National Bank and Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital.
He is survived by his wife Madonna I. Coffey of Charleston, IL; two children, Donna (Jim) Wood of Charleston, IL and Tony (Judy) Coffey of Ashmore, IL; five grandchildren, Tara (Kurt) Kirchner, Jim (Amy) Wood Jr., Angela (Mark) Eskew, Jennifer (Joel) Ranson, and Tony (Christina) Coffey Jr.; 16 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and one brother, Max (Kim) Coffey of Charleston, IL. He is preceded in death by one son, Billy Coffey; his parents, Arthur and Hazel Coffey; and 4 brothers and 2 sisters.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 1:00 pm at The Fields Church with Pastor Adam Solorio officiating. Burial will follow at Ashmore Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 pm prior to the service at The Fields Church, 2360 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL.
Memorial donations may be made to Villas of Holly Brook, 738 18th Street, Charleston, IL 61920.
To view the obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle, or post photos, please visit www.adamsfuneralchapel.com. Adams Funeral Chapel of Charleston, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
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