Husband of #1 wife Phyllis M. (Stroup) Coy (living)
Father of Sheryl Ann (deceased), Thomas Eugene and Tracey Lee Coy
Husband of #2 wife Wiladean Beverly "Willie" (Smith) Coy (deceased)
Father of Mary Louise, Connie Michele and David Ellsworth Coy
Husband of #3 wife Karen Joyce (Christiansen) Coy (deceased)
Eugene "Gene" Ellsworth Coy, at the age of 92, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 6, 2021. He was a resident of Pensacola, Florida for the last 10 years.
Eugene, or "Gene" as he was known, was born at home in Comstock Township, Kalamazoo, Michigan to the late parent's Elmer and Ferne (Trehearne) Coy. He was the 1st born, followed by his sister Marilyn 3 years later, where they had a small community upbringing. They always had aunts, uncles, grandparents and many cousins in their daily lives.
He attended Comstock Township Grammar School and graduated from Comstock High School in 1948 with a class of 42 classmates that all stayed very close.
Gene was born just prior to the Great Depression which influenced his hard work ethic at a very young age. He felt everyone in the family must pitch in to put food on the table and
have money for the things that the family needed. He began working in the celery fields, then on a hay bailing crew as young as 11 years old, and at the age of 12 he was running 5 paper routes. By the age of 14 he was excited to go work on his uncle's farm in Upland, Indiana that situated 150 miles away. He decided he would jump on his bike and ride by
himself to his uncle's farm, as he would need his transportation for himself. He didn't tell his mother he was going, nor his uncle that he would be arriving by himself. It was this event at a young age that would make him want to travel anywhere and everywhere, and just head down the open road.
He had learned many carpentry skills as well as plastering from his father Elmer, a master plasterer, but realized he really didn't have a passion for this. He did develop a love for always building and creating something. He had to have projects always going.
Around 14 years old he had received his first camera which he used to take his first family group photos. He knew what he wanted to do as a career from that moment on. In high school he loved taking pictures and being the newspaper editor. He also became involved in speech and debate team which led him to compete in local and state oratory competitions and win the competitions. He loved public speaking and writing original orations.
Another great influence upon his life happened around the time in the book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. Gene took Carnegie's lessons and ideas and applied them tp every aspect of his life. A positive attitude, a smile and a kind word were the three things upon which he could always be counted.
Gene married 3 times in his life. First to Phyllis Stroup of Comstock, Michigan, bringing up Sheryl, who preceded him in death, Thomas and Tracy. His second wife Wiladean Smith of Fort Wayne, Indiana, preceding him in death, had Mary, Connie and David. Lastly, he married Karen Christensen of Detroit, Michigan.
Due to the nature of his chosen profession, he moved his family to many states through the years, like Ohio, Iowa, Virginia, Colorado, Texas and Oklahoma. He had held many positions with the many large photography companies. One of his passions was helping pick the right location to build the studio, physically build it, hire and train his staff, and then be the actual photographer. He was a born salesman and put into place several systems and programs that kept that business growing, and the clients coming back on a regular basis for new photographs. By the early 1970s he was hired by the American Photography Company and moved his family to Houston, Texas, where he would become a district manager of over 127 studios that were primarily located as lease departments within big department store chains. As the mid-1970s hit and his company was in fine financial shape, the City of New York was going bankrupt and called all the notes to be paid. It took more than 30 days for the revenue of each studio to funnel through since they leased the departments. His beloved company ended up bankrupt at this time.
Gene and his wife "Willie" then decided they could buy the one standalone street studio that was being sold by his previous company, APC, which included all the equipment, and high school senior contracts for the Beverly Studio. They took the leap of faith to move way out of state to Tulsa, Oklahoma and started their own business in 1976. They then renamed the studio, "Coy's Beverly Studio. They specialized in family, church groups, wedding portraits and senior portraits for many of the area high schools. They ran the business for nearly 30 years until Willie's death in 1995.
During this time, he joined Indian Nations Professional Photographers Association, Oklahoma Professional Photographer's Association having been a long-time mem-
ber of the national level organization the Professional Photographers. He held the position of President and many other positions in each of these professional organizations. He was very proud when he earned his craftsman degree from the National Association, as well being awarded by the State of Oklahoma. Gene also got the chance to put on photography programs along with a fellow photographer dressed in the late 1800s photographer outfit much like Mathew Brady, that was one of the earliest recognized professional photographers. The two of them had restored a big beautiful old camera from the period that they made work with the original technology of the time.
Through the years Gene had been able to either live and work in nearly all 50 states as well as go to international places like Germany, Greece, Israel, Mexico, Canada, the Bermuda Islands and many other places along the way. Gene loved life, enjoyed music, singing and dancing throughout his life.
Eugene and his sister Marilyn were raised in the Methodist Church in which their mother and her foremothers were very active. He has been active in the church and a leader in his local church's many programs and activities. His favorites were the Sunday school classes and youth fellowship groups. His favorite Sunday school program that he loved to give is about the 12 disciples of Christ. He would have large prints to present for visual aide and was a captivating program.
Gene is survived by his five of his six children, Tom (Vickie) of Three Rivers, Michigan, Tracey Stokes (Jim) of Portage, Michigan, Mary Gilzean (Don) of Lincoln, California, Connie Rice (Chet) of Pensacola, Florida and David Coy (Lea) of Redford, Michigan. Proud grandfather of Amy Coy Williams (Jeremy Ryan), Neil Coy (fiancee Ann Lovro), Jacci Schavone (Vince), Andrew Sturgeon, Mathew Eldridge (Jordan Word), Jackie Holderman (Dane), Christopher (Kayla) Gilzean, Valarie Gilzean, and Erin Roland (fiancee Hunter Sheehan). Great grandchildren Madison Williams, Preston Ryan, James Schavone, Jessica Schavone, Destinee Sturgeon, Connor Holderman and Kaden Holderman. In addition to his parents, his sister Marilyn, wife Wiladean and later wife Karen, he was preceeded in death by his daughter Sheryl Coy Sturgeon-Prescott and his grandson Adam Gilzean.
His wishes were for A Celebration of Life and an upbeat service is open to all who loved him. In lieu of flowers-donations to be sent to First United Methodist Church ministries of Penscola.
Father of Sheryl Ann (deceased), Thomas Eugene and Tracey Lee Coy
Husband of #2 wife Wiladean Beverly "Willie" (Smith) Coy (deceased)
Father of Mary Louise, Connie Michele and David Ellsworth Coy
Husband of #3 wife Karen Joyce (Christiansen) Coy (deceased)
Eugene "Gene" Ellsworth Coy, at the age of 92, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 6, 2021. He was a resident of Pensacola, Florida for the last 10 years.
Eugene, or "Gene" as he was known, was born at home in Comstock Township, Kalamazoo, Michigan to the late parent's Elmer and Ferne (Trehearne) Coy. He was the 1st born, followed by his sister Marilyn 3 years later, where they had a small community upbringing. They always had aunts, uncles, grandparents and many cousins in their daily lives.
He attended Comstock Township Grammar School and graduated from Comstock High School in 1948 with a class of 42 classmates that all stayed very close.
Gene was born just prior to the Great Depression which influenced his hard work ethic at a very young age. He felt everyone in the family must pitch in to put food on the table and
have money for the things that the family needed. He began working in the celery fields, then on a hay bailing crew as young as 11 years old, and at the age of 12 he was running 5 paper routes. By the age of 14 he was excited to go work on his uncle's farm in Upland, Indiana that situated 150 miles away. He decided he would jump on his bike and ride by
himself to his uncle's farm, as he would need his transportation for himself. He didn't tell his mother he was going, nor his uncle that he would be arriving by himself. It was this event at a young age that would make him want to travel anywhere and everywhere, and just head down the open road.
He had learned many carpentry skills as well as plastering from his father Elmer, a master plasterer, but realized he really didn't have a passion for this. He did develop a love for always building and creating something. He had to have projects always going.
Around 14 years old he had received his first camera which he used to take his first family group photos. He knew what he wanted to do as a career from that moment on. In high school he loved taking pictures and being the newspaper editor. He also became involved in speech and debate team which led him to compete in local and state oratory competitions and win the competitions. He loved public speaking and writing original orations.
Another great influence upon his life happened around the time in the book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. Gene took Carnegie's lessons and ideas and applied them tp every aspect of his life. A positive attitude, a smile and a kind word were the three things upon which he could always be counted.
Gene married 3 times in his life. First to Phyllis Stroup of Comstock, Michigan, bringing up Sheryl, who preceded him in death, Thomas and Tracy. His second wife Wiladean Smith of Fort Wayne, Indiana, preceding him in death, had Mary, Connie and David. Lastly, he married Karen Christensen of Detroit, Michigan.
Due to the nature of his chosen profession, he moved his family to many states through the years, like Ohio, Iowa, Virginia, Colorado, Texas and Oklahoma. He had held many positions with the many large photography companies. One of his passions was helping pick the right location to build the studio, physically build it, hire and train his staff, and then be the actual photographer. He was a born salesman and put into place several systems and programs that kept that business growing, and the clients coming back on a regular basis for new photographs. By the early 1970s he was hired by the American Photography Company and moved his family to Houston, Texas, where he would become a district manager of over 127 studios that were primarily located as lease departments within big department store chains. As the mid-1970s hit and his company was in fine financial shape, the City of New York was going bankrupt and called all the notes to be paid. It took more than 30 days for the revenue of each studio to funnel through since they leased the departments. His beloved company ended up bankrupt at this time.
Gene and his wife "Willie" then decided they could buy the one standalone street studio that was being sold by his previous company, APC, which included all the equipment, and high school senior contracts for the Beverly Studio. They took the leap of faith to move way out of state to Tulsa, Oklahoma and started their own business in 1976. They then renamed the studio, "Coy's Beverly Studio. They specialized in family, church groups, wedding portraits and senior portraits for many of the area high schools. They ran the business for nearly 30 years until Willie's death in 1995.
During this time, he joined Indian Nations Professional Photographers Association, Oklahoma Professional Photographer's Association having been a long-time mem-
ber of the national level organization the Professional Photographers. He held the position of President and many other positions in each of these professional organizations. He was very proud when he earned his craftsman degree from the National Association, as well being awarded by the State of Oklahoma. Gene also got the chance to put on photography programs along with a fellow photographer dressed in the late 1800s photographer outfit much like Mathew Brady, that was one of the earliest recognized professional photographers. The two of them had restored a big beautiful old camera from the period that they made work with the original technology of the time.
Through the years Gene had been able to either live and work in nearly all 50 states as well as go to international places like Germany, Greece, Israel, Mexico, Canada, the Bermuda Islands and many other places along the way. Gene loved life, enjoyed music, singing and dancing throughout his life.
Eugene and his sister Marilyn were raised in the Methodist Church in which their mother and her foremothers were very active. He has been active in the church and a leader in his local church's many programs and activities. His favorites were the Sunday school classes and youth fellowship groups. His favorite Sunday school program that he loved to give is about the 12 disciples of Christ. He would have large prints to present for visual aide and was a captivating program.
Gene is survived by his five of his six children, Tom (Vickie) of Three Rivers, Michigan, Tracey Stokes (Jim) of Portage, Michigan, Mary Gilzean (Don) of Lincoln, California, Connie Rice (Chet) of Pensacola, Florida and David Coy (Lea) of Redford, Michigan. Proud grandfather of Amy Coy Williams (Jeremy Ryan), Neil Coy (fiancee Ann Lovro), Jacci Schavone (Vince), Andrew Sturgeon, Mathew Eldridge (Jordan Word), Jackie Holderman (Dane), Christopher (Kayla) Gilzean, Valarie Gilzean, and Erin Roland (fiancee Hunter Sheehan). Great grandchildren Madison Williams, Preston Ryan, James Schavone, Jessica Schavone, Destinee Sturgeon, Connor Holderman and Kaden Holderman. In addition to his parents, his sister Marilyn, wife Wiladean and later wife Karen, he was preceeded in death by his daughter Sheryl Coy Sturgeon-Prescott and his grandson Adam Gilzean.
His wishes were for A Celebration of Life and an upbeat service is open to all who loved him. In lieu of flowers-donations to be sent to First United Methodist Church ministries of Penscola.
Husband of #1 wife Phyllis M. (Stroup) Coy (living)
Father of Sheryl Ann (deceased), Thomas Eugene and Tracey Lee Coy
Husband of #2 wife Wiladean Beverly "Willie" (Smith) Coy (deceased)
Father of Mary Louise, Connie Michele and David Ellsworth Coy
Husband of #3 wife Karen Joyce (Christiansen) Coy (deceased)
Eugene "Gene" Ellsworth Coy, at the age of 92, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 6, 2021. He was a resident of Pensacola, Florida for the last 10 years.
Eugene, or "Gene" as he was known, was born at home in Comstock Township, Kalamazoo, Michigan to the late parent's Elmer and Ferne (Trehearne) Coy. He was the 1st born, followed by his sister Marilyn 3 years later, where they had a small community upbringing. They always had aunts, uncles, grandparents and many cousins in their daily lives.
He attended Comstock Township Grammar School and graduated from Comstock High School in 1948 with a class of 42 classmates that all stayed very close.
Gene was born just prior to the Great Depression which influenced his hard work ethic at a very young age. He felt everyone in the family must pitch in to put food on the table and
have money for the things that the family needed. He began working in the celery fields, then on a hay bailing crew as young as 11 years old, and at the age of 12 he was running 5 paper routes. By the age of 14 he was excited to go work on his uncle's farm in Upland, Indiana that situated 150 miles away. He decided he would jump on his bike and ride by
himself to his uncle's farm, as he would need his transportation for himself. He didn't tell his mother he was going, nor his uncle that he would be arriving by himself. It was this event at a young age that would make him want to travel anywhere and everywhere, and just head down the open road.
He had learned many carpentry skills as well as plastering from his father Elmer, a master plasterer, but realized he really didn't have a passion for this. He did develop a love for always building and creating something. He had to have projects always going.
Around 14 years old he had received his first camera which he used to take his first family group photos. He knew what he wanted to do as a career from that moment on. In high school he loved taking pictures and being the newspaper editor. He also became involved in speech and debate team which led him to compete in local and state oratory competitions and win the competitions. He loved public speaking and writing original orations.
Another great influence upon his life happened around the time in the book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. Gene took Carnegie's lessons and ideas and applied them tp every aspect of his life. A positive attitude, a smile and a kind word were the three things upon which he could always be counted.
Gene married 3 times in his life. First to Phyllis Stroup of Comstock, Michigan, bringing up Sheryl, who preceded him in death, Thomas and Tracy. His second wife Wiladean Smith of Fort Wayne, Indiana, preceding him in death, had Mary, Connie and David. Lastly, he married Karen Christensen of Detroit, Michigan.
Due to the nature of his chosen profession, he moved his family to many states through the years, like Ohio, Iowa, Virginia, Colorado, Texas and Oklahoma. He had held many positions with the many large photography companies. One of his passions was helping pick the right location to build the studio, physically build it, hire and train his staff, and then be the actual photographer. He was a born salesman and put into place several systems and programs that kept that business growing, and the clients coming back on a regular basis for new photographs. By the early 1970s he was hired by the American Photography Company and moved his family to Houston, Texas, where he would become a district manager of over 127 studios that were primarily located as lease departments within big department store chains. As the mid-1970s hit and his company was in fine financial shape, the City of New York was going bankrupt and called all the notes to be paid. It took more than 30 days for the revenue of each studio to funnel through since they leased the departments. His beloved company ended up bankrupt at this time.
Gene and his wife "Willie" then decided they could buy the one standalone street studio that was being sold by his previous company, APC, which included all the equipment, and high school senior contracts for the Beverly Studio. They took the leap of faith to move way out of state to Tulsa, Oklahoma and started their own business in 1976. They then renamed the studio, "Coy's Beverly Studio. They specialized in family, church groups, wedding portraits and senior portraits for many of the area high schools. They ran the business for nearly 30 years until Willie's death in 1995.
During this time, he joined Indian Nations Professional Photographers Association, Oklahoma Professional Photographer's Association having been a long-time mem-
ber of the national level organization the Professional Photographers. He held the position of President and many other positions in each of these professional organizations. He was very proud when he earned his craftsman degree from the National Association, as well being awarded by the State of Oklahoma. Gene also got the chance to put on photography programs along with a fellow photographer dressed in the late 1800s photographer outfit much like Mathew Brady, that was one of the earliest recognized professional photographers. The two of them had restored a big beautiful old camera from the period that they made work with the original technology of the time.
Through the years Gene had been able to either live and work in nearly all 50 states as well as go to international places like Germany, Greece, Israel, Mexico, Canada, the Bermuda Islands and many other places along the way. Gene loved life, enjoyed music, singing and dancing throughout his life.
Eugene and his sister Marilyn were raised in the Methodist Church in which their mother and her foremothers were very active. He has been active in the church and a leader in his local church's many programs and activities. His favorites were the Sunday school classes and youth fellowship groups. His favorite Sunday school program that he loved to give is about the 12 disciples of Christ. He would have large prints to present for visual aide and was a captivating program.
Gene is survived by his five of his six children, Tom (Vickie) of Three Rivers, Michigan, Tracey Stokes (Jim) of Portage, Michigan, Mary Gilzean (Don) of Lincoln, California, Connie Rice (Chet) of Pensacola, Florida and David Coy (Lea) of Redford, Michigan. Proud grandfather of Amy Coy Williams (Jeremy Ryan), Neil Coy (fiancee Ann Lovro), Jacci Schavone (Vince), Andrew Sturgeon, Mathew Eldridge (Jordan Word), Jackie Holderman (Dane), Christopher (Kayla) Gilzean, Valarie Gilzean, and Erin Roland (fiancee Hunter Sheehan). Great grandchildren Madison Williams, Preston Ryan, James Schavone, Jessica Schavone, Destinee Sturgeon, Connor Holderman and Kaden Holderman. In addition to his parents, his sister Marilyn, wife Wiladean and later wife Karen, he was preceeded in death by his daughter Sheryl Coy Sturgeon-Prescott and his grandson Adam Gilzean.
His wishes were for A Celebration of Life and an upbeat service is open to all who loved him. In lieu of flowers-donations to be sent to First United Methodist Church ministries of Penscola.
Father of Sheryl Ann (deceased), Thomas Eugene and Tracey Lee Coy
Husband of #2 wife Wiladean Beverly "Willie" (Smith) Coy (deceased)
Father of Mary Louise, Connie Michele and David Ellsworth Coy
Husband of #3 wife Karen Joyce (Christiansen) Coy (deceased)
Eugene "Gene" Ellsworth Coy, at the age of 92, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 6, 2021. He was a resident of Pensacola, Florida for the last 10 years.
Eugene, or "Gene" as he was known, was born at home in Comstock Township, Kalamazoo, Michigan to the late parent's Elmer and Ferne (Trehearne) Coy. He was the 1st born, followed by his sister Marilyn 3 years later, where they had a small community upbringing. They always had aunts, uncles, grandparents and many cousins in their daily lives.
He attended Comstock Township Grammar School and graduated from Comstock High School in 1948 with a class of 42 classmates that all stayed very close.
Gene was born just prior to the Great Depression which influenced his hard work ethic at a very young age. He felt everyone in the family must pitch in to put food on the table and
have money for the things that the family needed. He began working in the celery fields, then on a hay bailing crew as young as 11 years old, and at the age of 12 he was running 5 paper routes. By the age of 14 he was excited to go work on his uncle's farm in Upland, Indiana that situated 150 miles away. He decided he would jump on his bike and ride by
himself to his uncle's farm, as he would need his transportation for himself. He didn't tell his mother he was going, nor his uncle that he would be arriving by himself. It was this event at a young age that would make him want to travel anywhere and everywhere, and just head down the open road.
He had learned many carpentry skills as well as plastering from his father Elmer, a master plasterer, but realized he really didn't have a passion for this. He did develop a love for always building and creating something. He had to have projects always going.
Around 14 years old he had received his first camera which he used to take his first family group photos. He knew what he wanted to do as a career from that moment on. In high school he loved taking pictures and being the newspaper editor. He also became involved in speech and debate team which led him to compete in local and state oratory competitions and win the competitions. He loved public speaking and writing original orations.
Another great influence upon his life happened around the time in the book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. Gene took Carnegie's lessons and ideas and applied them tp every aspect of his life. A positive attitude, a smile and a kind word were the three things upon which he could always be counted.
Gene married 3 times in his life. First to Phyllis Stroup of Comstock, Michigan, bringing up Sheryl, who preceded him in death, Thomas and Tracy. His second wife Wiladean Smith of Fort Wayne, Indiana, preceding him in death, had Mary, Connie and David. Lastly, he married Karen Christensen of Detroit, Michigan.
Due to the nature of his chosen profession, he moved his family to many states through the years, like Ohio, Iowa, Virginia, Colorado, Texas and Oklahoma. He had held many positions with the many large photography companies. One of his passions was helping pick the right location to build the studio, physically build it, hire and train his staff, and then be the actual photographer. He was a born salesman and put into place several systems and programs that kept that business growing, and the clients coming back on a regular basis for new photographs. By the early 1970s he was hired by the American Photography Company and moved his family to Houston, Texas, where he would become a district manager of over 127 studios that were primarily located as lease departments within big department store chains. As the mid-1970s hit and his company was in fine financial shape, the City of New York was going bankrupt and called all the notes to be paid. It took more than 30 days for the revenue of each studio to funnel through since they leased the departments. His beloved company ended up bankrupt at this time.
Gene and his wife "Willie" then decided they could buy the one standalone street studio that was being sold by his previous company, APC, which included all the equipment, and high school senior contracts for the Beverly Studio. They took the leap of faith to move way out of state to Tulsa, Oklahoma and started their own business in 1976. They then renamed the studio, "Coy's Beverly Studio. They specialized in family, church groups, wedding portraits and senior portraits for many of the area high schools. They ran the business for nearly 30 years until Willie's death in 1995.
During this time, he joined Indian Nations Professional Photographers Association, Oklahoma Professional Photographer's Association having been a long-time mem-
ber of the national level organization the Professional Photographers. He held the position of President and many other positions in each of these professional organizations. He was very proud when he earned his craftsman degree from the National Association, as well being awarded by the State of Oklahoma. Gene also got the chance to put on photography programs along with a fellow photographer dressed in the late 1800s photographer outfit much like Mathew Brady, that was one of the earliest recognized professional photographers. The two of them had restored a big beautiful old camera from the period that they made work with the original technology of the time.
Through the years Gene had been able to either live and work in nearly all 50 states as well as go to international places like Germany, Greece, Israel, Mexico, Canada, the Bermuda Islands and many other places along the way. Gene loved life, enjoyed music, singing and dancing throughout his life.
Eugene and his sister Marilyn were raised in the Methodist Church in which their mother and her foremothers were very active. He has been active in the church and a leader in his local church's many programs and activities. His favorites were the Sunday school classes and youth fellowship groups. His favorite Sunday school program that he loved to give is about the 12 disciples of Christ. He would have large prints to present for visual aide and was a captivating program.
Gene is survived by his five of his six children, Tom (Vickie) of Three Rivers, Michigan, Tracey Stokes (Jim) of Portage, Michigan, Mary Gilzean (Don) of Lincoln, California, Connie Rice (Chet) of Pensacola, Florida and David Coy (Lea) of Redford, Michigan. Proud grandfather of Amy Coy Williams (Jeremy Ryan), Neil Coy (fiancee Ann Lovro), Jacci Schavone (Vince), Andrew Sturgeon, Mathew Eldridge (Jordan Word), Jackie Holderman (Dane), Christopher (Kayla) Gilzean, Valarie Gilzean, and Erin Roland (fiancee Hunter Sheehan). Great grandchildren Madison Williams, Preston Ryan, James Schavone, Jessica Schavone, Destinee Sturgeon, Connor Holderman and Kaden Holderman. In addition to his parents, his sister Marilyn, wife Wiladean and later wife Karen, he was preceeded in death by his daughter Sheryl Coy Sturgeon-Prescott and his grandson Adam Gilzean.
His wishes were for A Celebration of Life and an upbeat service is open to all who loved him. In lieu of flowers-donations to be sent to First United Methodist Church ministries of Penscola.
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