David C. Coe. Jr.

Former Bainbridge Island resident David C. Coe, Jr., 77, died June 15 in Pensacola, Fla.

He was born Oct. 12, 1929, in Cottage Grove, Ore., to David Coe, Sr. and Myrtle McCoy Coe.

He graduated from Bainbridge High School in 1947 and attended Washington State University. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1953.

His service with the U.S. Navy began with his commissioning as an ensign. He served with distinction from 1953 until his retirement in 1973 as a commander.

During his service to the Navy, he was awarded the Silver Star, the Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, Twenty Strike Flight Service Medal, and the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross.

His Navy career included service as light attack pilot and squadron commanding officer, catapult and arresting gear officer aboard the Coral Sea, Executive Officer VA 212 and Commanding Officer VA 216. He served one tour in Korea and two tours in Vietnam.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Pensacola and was a charter member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Big Lagoon.

He was a member of the Fiesta Barbershop Chorus and a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Coe; his siblings, Martha Losnegard and Beth James of Seattle, Hugh Coe of Bremerton and Ed Coe of Kodiak, Alaska; children Steve Coe of Phoenix, Ariz., Mark Nigro, Tammy Gandt and Alex Nigro of Kenosha, Wis., Wayne Anderson of Tallahassee, Fla., Bob Anderson of Atlanta, Ga., Jim Anderson of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Beth Anderson of Atlanta, Ga.; 10 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Services were June 19 at First United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kiwanis Club of Big Lagoon or First United Methodist Church Living Trust