Obituary of David Allen Coen

David Allen Coen, Sr., 81, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 7, 2017. He was born in Anderson, IN, lived in Gig Harbor, WA and Beaver Falls, PA, and then moved to Brevard County, FL in 1981. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Irene Jean Coen, his parents, Presley D. Coen, Lena M. Kuner and his step-father, Robert M. Kuner; brothers, Gene Coen, Jack Coen, and Robert M. Kuner, Jr.; a sister, Nancy Conine, and a granddaughter, Kristian Coen Humphrey. He is survived by his step-mother, Marguerite DeGarmo of Gig Harbor, WA; three sons and daughters-in-law, David A. Coen, Jr. and Bonita of Rockledge, Jon A. Coen and Linda of Cocoa, and Lawrence D. Coen and Ronda of Titusville; three grandsons and four great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers-in-law, Sandra (Dolly) and Kevin James of Beaver Falls, PA, Penny and Bill Cable of Gig Harbor, WA, and Margie and Phil Marcum of Chimacum, WA; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ron and Janice Coen of Gig Harbor, WA, Thomas and Karen Coen of Gig Harbor, WA, and Chuck and Vicky Coen of Addy, WA; as well as numerous nieces and nephews; loving companion Jeanette Griffith and last but not least his little dog, Kodi. Among family and friends David was known as Dave, or more affectionately as Papa Bear. Dave served his country in the United States Army as a helicopter mechanic during the Korean War, and was a disabled veteran. After his tour in the service he was employed by Babcock and Wilcox Tube Products in Beaver Falls, PA for 25 years. He and his wife were also the former owners of the Happy Days Lounge in Beaver Falls. In 2000 Dave retired from The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. He was a Free Mason and was a member of Merritt Island Lodge 353. He especially enjoyed his life-long career as a singer/entertainer. Papa Bear had an amazing tenor singing voice, and began singing classical music and opera while he was still in high school. In the mid 1960’s Papa Bear formed a band that performed country and rock & roll music. Throughout the years he remained a well-known band leader; band members included two of his sons, David, Jr. and Jon. A service with military honors will take place at 3:00 pm on Friday, January 20, 2017 at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery In lieu of flowers please make a donation in David’s memory to the Brevard Regional Juvenile Detention Advisory Board, C/O Minnie Hightower, 4405 Rose Hill Ave, Titusville, FL 32780.