Richard Ray Coen, 82, of Neoga, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at home, surrounded by his loving family.
Richard was born July 14, 1944, in Neoga, Illinois, the son of Richard and Ruth May (Kirk) Coen. He married Sherrie Grisham on June 23, 1963, in Neoga, Illinois. Together, they shared 63 years of marriage, building a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and service to others.
Richard began his working career at Cal Stickel Grain Elevator before becoming a truck driver for UPS, where he faithfully worked for over 30 years. A hardworking, self-taught, and studious man, Richard possessed a lifelong love of learning and reading. He valued knowledge, meaningful work, and the quiet satisfaction of a life lived with purpose.
Later in life, Richard felt called to serve God and his community through ministry. He faithfully answered that calling, serving as pastor of Smyser Christian Church for 17 years. Alongside his wife, Sherrie, he dedicated himself to the spiritual care of others, approaching his ministry with the same humility, gentleness, and steadfast devotion that characterized his life.
Richard was a man of few words, and when he spoke, you wanted to listen. He chose his words with precision and emphasis, speaking with passion, wit, and purpose. His words were never wasted, and his quietness was never an absence of depth.
Richard found joy in the outdoors, in meaningful work, in learning, and in the company of those he loved. He demonstrated through the way he lived that gentleness is not weakness, humility does not diminish strength, and a life of service need not be accompanied by recognition.
His legacy lives on in the qualities he so quietly embodied: humility, gentleness, selflessness, devotion to family, a love of nature and hard work, a lifelong curiosity and love of learning, and a steadfast commitment to serving God and others. These are the things his family and closest friends will remember, cherish, and strive to carry forward.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Sherrie; daughter, Monica (Brice) Dunn; grandchildren, Alexia (Mark) Munter, Alexander Dunn, Victoria Dunn, and Hannah (Austin) Lamb; great-grandchildren, Esperanza Cruz, Abigail Munter, Jose Munter, and Isla Munter; brothers, David (Sheri) Coen and Donald (Denise) Coen; and several nieces and nephews.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Ruth May Coen; son, Kyle Coen; and great-granddaughter, Payton Dunn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Richard’s honor to South America Mission at southamericamission.org. This organization is especially dear to Richard and his family, as two of his grandchildren are from Peru.
Visitation will be held Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at First Christian Church of Neoga, Illinois, located at 190 E. 6th Street. Visitation will continue Monday, November 2, 2026, at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the Life Celebration Service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Neoga Memorial Cemetery.
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