Don Earl Coffell

Don Earl Coffell, age 81, of Iredell, Texas went on to be with our Lord Jesus on August 26, 2021.  He died in Meridian Texas at the Hilltop on Main Nursing Home.  Don was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Ruth Irene Hoodemaker Coffell and Arthur Coffell.  Don enjoyed traveling and lived in multiple states but spent much of his youth in Michigan and the majority of his adult years in Zolfo Springs, Florida.  Don was married to Arloa Coffell, the mother of his four children for 38 years.  After their divorce, he followed his two sons to Texas where he called Iredell his home.

Survivors include: his four children Toni Forrer (husband Tom) of Dalton, Ohio, Bill Coffell (wife Brigitte) of Gustine, Texas, Cindy Carlton of May, Texas, and Don A. Coffell (wife Christine) of Mertzon, Texas; nine grandchildren, Randi Forrer McCoy (husband Seth), Dani Forrer Myers (husband Shawn), Lincoln Forrer (wife Jasmine), Cody Carlton, Reese Carlton, Josie Carlton, Ayla Coffell Frost (husband Cyler), Kyra Coffell Lehr (husband Cameron) and Trevin Coffell; six great-grandchildren, Lane McCoy, Larami McCoy, Pistol McCoy, Mallory Myers, Macy Myers, and Jaden Forrer.  Don was preceded in death by his parents and his great-grandson Lane McCoy, who is also in the given picture.

Don loved driving a big rig. He named his semi Black Betty and hauled various things all over the United States including Pepsi cola and fresh corn.  Hauling cattle was his absolute favorite to haul and he retired from Thigpen Trucking in 2015.  Don and his favorite dog, “Bad Bo” were a very well-known team in the cattle hauling world.

Don loved the sport of rodeo and he instilled that same love for rodeo (along with a strong work ethic) in each and every one of his children who still own horses and rodeo today.  He also liked to help others who were less fortunate than himself. Please do not send flowers…Don was not a “flowery” guy by any means.  He would prefer that you donate to either your local food bank or to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund in his honor.

Memorial services will be determined at a later date.