Kenneth Harold Coffelt

Kenny was a loving and devoted husband, a dedicated dad to his three children, son, brother, uncle and loyal friend. All who knew him, witnessed his kind heart, giving spirit and amazing courage and strength. For the past eleven years he has been a Lake Travis resident, an active volunteer in the community and member of the Bee Creek United Methodist Church.

Ken was born in Omaha, Nebraska and raised in Pasadena, Texas. He attended the University of Texas at Austin and moved to Los Angeles, California where he started a successful career as an illustrator. It was in Los Angeles that he started his graphic design studio, Coffelt Design, which remained in business for over 20 years.

It was also in Los Angeles where Ken met his wife Donna. They were married in Malibu and remained in Los Angeles until 1999 when they relocated to Austin. They have been happily married for almost 18 years and have three beautiful children.

Ken's love for life was evident by the way he lived his life. If he wasn't working with his kids, he was painting, sketching or gardening–his true passions. His sensitivity is seen in his landscape paintings and throughout the beautiful gardens he created. The way he chose to spend his time left a lasting legacy of hope for his family and friends to enjoy for many years to come.

He is survived by his wife Donna, and three children, Madison, Mackenzie and Jack; his father Jack Coffelt of Pasadena; siblings Connie and husband Al Lawrence of Houston, Jackie and husband John Camfield of Pasadena, Joan and husband Mark Bolen of Clear Lake, Adam and wife Jennifer Coffelt of Alvin, and Patricia (Ditti) Coffelt of Austin. Extended family is Martha and Ty Lawrence of Dripping Springs, in-laws Jo Ann and Jerry Priest of Canton, brother/sister-in-laws, Greg and Nida Priest of Waco, Arija and Jeff Priest of Canton, 13 nieces/nephews including Kim and Jenny Camfield, Allan Lawrence, Olivia and Grady Priest, Andrew, Kelli and Scott Bolen, Ian and Grace Coffelt, Tyler and Kate Priest, and Jacob Lawrence; and of course countless other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his sister, Theresa Coffelt Lawrence and mother Catherine Coffelt.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Sunday, August 8 at Bee Creek United Methodist Church, 3000 Bee Creek Road, Spicewood, Texas.

A memorial service celebrating Ken's life will be held at 11 am on Monday August 9, 2010, at The Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Avenue, Austin.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials made in Ken's name to Wonders & Worries, www.wondersandworries.org; Bee Cave Elementary Butterfly Garden for maintenance and expansion of the garden; or Bee Creek United Methodist Church, http://beecreekumc.org/.

In memory of Ken, plant seeds, a tree or garden and witness for yourself the beauty it brings to your life. This would certainly make him smile.