As I sit here today at a bar in Disney Springs I’m reminiscing about Walt Coffee the man who wrote the book of bartending. I miss and love you my friend. May you rest well knowing you will forever be remembered. 💫

Walt, you were one of a kind and will always be remembered and missed.  Your sister, Jane

My pardon on getting the year incorrect on my previous memory,  the date my family & I were in Kansas City was 1981.  Our Deepest Sympathies.

I am a big Yankee fan from Evansville IN, Lou Pinella in particular.  I met Walt after a Yankee vs Royals in Kansas City in August 1977.  I was in 7th grade taking this trip with my older brother and sister.
I was sort of shoved to the back of the line waiting by the team bus, hoping to see Lou Pinella.  Frustrated I stepped to the back of the bus away from the crowd, and that is when this very nice gentleman said to me, " Who are you trying to see ?".  I told him Lou Pinella, and he told me if I would just hang out a minute he would introduce me and get me an autograph.  Not only did he do what he promised, but he also invited me and my family to the Long Branch Saloon to me all the Yankees who would be there that evening.  He also sent me a photo of him and a letter inviting us back to the Longbranch if we came again the next year.  I am 50 yrs old now and this memory has stayed clear in my mind as if it were yesterday. I will never forget him. I am late in seeing Walt's passing, but wanted to share this story with his family and what an awesome person he is.

I remember Walt as a small girl...he loved to tease me and always had a stuffed animal for me when I came to visit.  My parents, Phyllis & Dean Davis have great memories of Walt and love to tell stories about him.  He will truly be missed by our family.
Kelly (Davis) Wilson

Carol, Cheryl, Terry and Rick...I was so sad to hear about Walt.  Wow... it brought up so many memories and feelings...In many ways it feels like just yesterday that we lived back to back off of 95th St. I remember the pool parties in that house, then lake quivira, desoto, and the long branch.  My dad loved him like a brother... hopefully they are having a beer together right now!

Carol...I will keep you and your family in my thoughts during this time. Walt I will miss you!!! You brightened my days when you came to Matt Ross Community Center where I work. I loved your jokes & stories and everyone in the fitness room adored you!! This kid will miss you!! Love, Beverly Baker

Walt -- thanks for the memories.  You were a mentor to me and you're already missed.

Miss Carol,
I will miss Walt screening my calls..and picking up anyway.
He called me "kid"....too.
D

Carol, 
I am so sorry to learn of Walt's passing.  I was in the middle of escorting several tour operators around Kansas City when a friend of mine called me to tell me of "our" great loss.
At the time Walt opened the Longbranch he provided  free cigarettes for those that ran out (I smoked back then and thought he was a genius for that idea).  At that time, I owned a small chain of retail stores carrying bars, bar stools, ice buckets with glasses to match, etc.   Walt knew that I regularly attended the market in Dallas to purchase inventory and asked me if I would be on the lookout for a spittoon.  I found one and gave it to him and he placed it on the â€œLongest Barâ€ in Kansas City to be used for tips.  
As members of â€œThe Corner Of The Bar Gangâ€, some of my most favorite times were Friday nights with my husband (Jack) include Denny and Smokey (with a tie around his head).    The laughter never stopped.  It was our home away from home and our friends were like family to us.  
Before Jack passed away, we visited Terry's bar and always asked how Walt was doing.  Occasionally we would run into Walt and that smile would make us reflect on those times and wish we could go back.  Steak nights in OP, fried catfish in Lenexa, in a wordâ€¦WOW.
Thank you and your family for sharing this wonderful, sweet man with us.  The world is a little better because Walt was here.

Wow Carol; Words can't even express how hard this hits ... I just loved you guys and some of my fondest KC memories center around you, Walt and the Longbranch Saloon of course ... but extend as far away as Mexico (one of the best layovers ever) and as close your house there in (OP?) Kansas!
I'm the Braniff pilot turned airline instructor who hung out with Walt as much as he had time to share his attention ... SO MUCH FUN!!!  Only thing that changed that was the demise of Braniff and my job transfer ... have lived all over the world since then including Afghanistan.  We had a lot in common and I still write song lyrics and sing regularly!
Let me know if there is anything I can do to help in any way ... and I really mean that, too!
Love,
Ralph

Walt and Carol were true soul mates.  
They will remain vivid in my memories-it was an honor to associate with them both.  
I am truly, deeply sorry for you loss, Carol.

My deepest condolences for your loss, Please be assured that God will actually "swallow up death forever, and will certainly wipe the tears from all faces".--Isaiah25:8.

Carol
So sorry to hear of Walt's Passing, He was truly a great Man. I worked at the Long Branch Saloon for six years.
Wendy Druen Sarasota Florida

I worked for Walt and Carol when they had Carol's Western Store on the Plaza.  So much fun and great memories.  Holding you and the family in my heart this week.  Hugs.  Meghan

Walt, you will be missed greatly.  you were a true friend to the swetman family. I will always remember the fun time we all had together. Carol and family, my prayers are with you in this hard time.  Mary Jo Minton (Swetman)

Just the mention of Walt's name floods us with great memories of fun, smiles and a mutual love of a good time. From the days of Jimmy Bowers and The Jigger, we had some great times to remember.  
Ramona and Jack harmon
Highland Village, TX

Carol, So sorry to hear of Walt's passing. I think of the old days so many times and all the fun we had. I'm sure Ron and him are having a few laughs. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Shirley Gerner

Walt brought so much humor and joy into peoples' lives.  He was a Kansas City icon and will be missed.  Please accept our deepest sympathy.

Carol, We are all saddened by your loss here at NSAI. Our prayers are with you and your family. Take care and call if you need anything. Trish Matthews & NSAI staff.

Carol and family, You have my deepest sympathy. Walt was truly one of a kind. I was honored when he painted two of his infamous paintings for me; they're now proudly hanging on my office wall. I feel privileged to have known him. 

I also have a "Reserved Table" sign that he signed for me at the Longbranch. He wrote on it: "Keep this guy out of here." He then signed it "Best wishes, Walt." I laugh every time I see it. 

Jack (aka Beethoven)

Cheryl,
Sorry to hear about your Dad. Don't know if you remember me from JCCC. Your Dad lived down the road from my Mom in Monticello. It's been a lot of years ago but I still remember that he was a great, friendly man. May you find peace in your great memories 
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandy Thomson (nursing'78)

Carol, sorry to read of Walts passing. I know he and Cliff are reminiscing their "good times". I enjoyed our time at the lake, bonfire, and many fun times at " steak night" at the Longbranch! My sympathy to you and family.

Hey, Old Fool....you will be sorely missed by all of us!!  The Medium Age Fool.

A Kansas City original. Walt was one of the people who defined this quirky, friendly, lovable city. He will be missed, but the city is a better place because he was here.

Remember he and Lou from Long Branch "Where the customer is always wrong". Loved his quick smile and wit. My  thoughts and prayers are with the family. MT Sundeen

Uncle Walt you will be missed! You always made everyone feel like they were the most special person in the room- no matter who was there. What a gift. I wish I would have told you how much you helped my self esteem when I was a 16 year old insecure lost girl. You introduced me to all your friends on that boat in the Ozarks like I was SO wonderful. Thank you!!! My heart goes out to Carol and the rest of your family and friends!

WITH WALT LEAVING A 50 YEAR SHARED FRIENDSHIP WILL BE LEFT TO MEMORY. THERE IS MUCH TO REMEMBER AS WE DID MANY THINGS TOGETHER.I could be sad he has left but I rather feel very pleased for having known walt. Carol- may God help you through this difficult time

After I learned of Walt's passing, I realized I have known him all of my life.  He & Carol were the first friends of my parents when we moved to KC in 1967.  He & Carol remained faithful friends to our family throughout all of these years.  He was always positive and would greet me with, "Hello there Kid!" Or how, for years, he claimed I wrecked his boat at the Lake.  He will be sorely missed by so many, but gosh there are a lot of grand memories.  Our best to Carol, the kids, grandkids, dogs & everyone who loved him.  Fondly, Jenny (Hervey-Murphy)& Greg Forney & Family

I will miss seeing you and your family every week,watching you and Carol enjoying your merlot..

My Father, Robert Hodges, worked for Walt back in the day at Shortman Dodge on Metcalf and followed him to Quality Dodge after that. My brother, Mike, also worked at Quality Dodge with Walt and my Dad. My parents went on vacation with Walt and Carol too. Walt was so good to my Father. He was always kind and generous with such a great sense of humor. I worked as a waitress for a while at the first Longbranch when we had to wear cowboy hats and you had to have a membership card to get in. I also went to Elementary School with his son, Terry and knew his son, Rick at KU. I wish I could have said good by to Walt and let him know how much he meant to our family over the years. My thoughts are with Carol and his family and he will be missed. Kathy Hodges

Walt was such a character.......I knew Walt before I met my late husband, Chuck Thompson in 1968.  We supported him and Lou when they started the first Longbranch and Chuck represented him in other businesses.  I remember the infamous "bonfires" at their house in the fall.  Many laughs were always present when around Walt.Our son, Scott, worked for Walt and Terry at the Longbranch.  Walt and Carol came to our July 4th picnics for years. My sympathy is heartfelt and sincere to Carol and all the family.

love,

I didn't know Walt well but as his neighbor down the street, his smile was infectious and always complimented us on our green lawn. We laughed together and chatted a bit from time to time. He was a kind man for sure. Love to you Carol~ Chris Wendlandt, Mackey Street

I worked with Walt at Laner Pontiac in the 60s. Great guy and a blast to be around. My prayers are with the family.

I am grateful for the life of Mr. Coffey.  Thanks to his service and to the service of others in our armed forces, my family and I have been able to lead our lives in freedom and peace.

I have only fond memories of your sense of humor, always being approachable and good-hearted. You will be missed Walt.

Dear Mrs. Coffey,
I am so sorry to hear about your husband.  My father, Reed Smalley, certainly will miss one of his best friends. Dad so enjoyed talking to "Walt" everyday to catch up on who made the most money (or lost the most) as they reviewed the daily ups and downs of the stock market. I know my father will miss him greatly. 
I wish you and your family peace during this holiday season.  God bless you.  
Sincerely, 
Jill (Smalley) Cragg
Mt. Pleasant, SC

Through the years that Walt's grandson Ryan has been our son-in-law, we have heard many fine things said of Walt.  It has been obvious that he was very special to Ryan as I am sure he was to the rest of his family.  Our prayers are with the entire family.

There was only only one walt in this world and it was a honor to have him in our family. We will love and miss him forever.

OBITUARY

Walter Stephen Coffey

1 January, 1931 – 27 November, 2012

McGilley & Hoge Johnson County Memorial Chapel

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