John Russel Coe

John Russel Coe, ‘Rusty’ to his family, of Woodland Park, Colorado, passed away suddenly, but peacefully, over the 2023 Labor Day weekend at the age of 65. 

He was born October 5th, 1957 in Panama City, Florida to the late Lt. Colonel John Coe and the late Mary Coe Merrifield.  He is survived by his sister, Cathy Rhea and her husband Chip of Jonestown, Texas; by his nephews Clay Perry and Russell Perry, and his grand-nephew Russell Perry Jr. all of Austin, Texas; his Step-Mom Nina Coe of Montevallo, Alabama and his Step-Brother Chris Crowther of Las Vegas, Nevada.  He is also survived by his dear friends (and “brothers by a different mother”) Lorne Klassen of Divide, Colorado and Dennis Weid of Canon City, Colorado. 

John graduated from Texas State Technical College in the early 80’s where he studied Laser Optics.  He was hired fresh out of college by a growing company in Colorado Springs and enjoyed a long and rewarding career in Laser Optics and Manufacturing. His last position being with the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs where he won numerous awards for his exemplary work ethic.

 Upon leaving Texas and moving to Colorado in his early twenties, John quickly fell in love with his career and the beautiful state of Colorado.  After that he would visit Texas, but the mountains of Colorado were home.  

 In Colorado, John developed lasting friendships with his “buds” and enjoyed a rich life of camping, four wheeling and exploring in the National Forest that his beloved cabin and surrounding property bordered on.  In his younger years he also enjoyed skiing and rafting.  Throughout his life he was an avid shooter and gun enthusiast!!

 John was a dog lover of tremendous proportions!!  His first “love”, a beautiful German Shepherd named Fang, moved from Texas to Colorado with him.  After Fang passed, which was a terrible heartbreak to John, he went on to parent several furry kids… usually two or three at a time.  The last being two rescued Great Pyrenees sisters, Ruby and Mazey… it made for a full and happy cabin.  You were living the dream if John was your doggy Dad!!    

 To know John was to love him.  He was always quick with a smile and a kind word and he was so very generous, especially to those he loved.  His wit was unsurpassed and he could make you laugh until you cried.  He was the epitome of a good soul. He will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him and call him brother, uncle, son and friend. 

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