Howard L Coy

Howard L. Coy, 86, of Fort Wayne, passed away Monday, February 11, 2013 at his residence with his loving daughter by his side. Howard was born on December 23, 1926 in Scotia, California, the son of Harry D. and Mildred (Heinbach) Coy. He met Rita Perkins in Oakland, California on February 5, 1950 and followed her back to Fort Wayne, IN where they were married on November 3, 1951 in Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church. Howard was a Korean War Veteran and served as a Sergeant in the US Army from 1952- 1960. He loved Ford automobiles, and owned his own auto repair shop in Berkley, California before coming to Indiana. He was appointed to the Ivy Tech Advisory Committee as a member of the Automotive Technology Department in 1974 and continued to work in the automobile repair business as a Service Manager/Shop Foreman until he retired from Allen County Motors in 1988. A lifelong fan of music, Howard liked to entertain his family and friends by playing the guitar, harmonica and singing old songs and ballads. He was an avid reader and loved reading about history. He lived an excitement filled life and traveled frequently. He liked to entertain everyone with stories of his adventures and misadventures. He enjoyed being surrounded by his children and grandchildren and was always happy to see them. His family was always first in his mind and his heart. His laugh, his whistling, his voice and his sense of humor will be missed by everyone who knew him. He looked for the best in people and was always willing to help others. Howard touched the hearts and souls of many people. Those that were closest to him are better for having known him. His smile and warmth will be deeply missed. Surviving are his daughter Dolores (Lori) Silvers; sons, Gordon L., Thomas A. (Kelle), and Paul R. (Lisa) Coy; sisters, Bernice Coveleski of El Segundo, CA, Barbara (Robert) McMilan of Livermore, CA, and Harriet (Babe) Birkhofer of Guerneville, Ca; seven grandchildren, Christopher (Michelle) Vance, Ian (Brandie) Vance, Nicole (Christopher) Abbott, Stephanie Hood, Joshua Coy, Mason Coy, and Shayna Coy; two step-grandchildren, Brian (Krista) Diehl, and Katie Diehl; thirteen great grandchildren and one step-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita in 1993, his son Steven in 1977, his parents Harry and Mildred, and three brothers, Donald, Clyde and Wayne Coy. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 15, 2013 at Elzey Patterson Rodak Home For Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Rd., Ft. Wayne with one hour of calling before. Visitation will also be from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 14, 2013 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to American Red Cross, Ft. Wayne Chapter or Heartland Hospice. Burial will be in Catholic Cemetery.