John Howard Coe

John Howard Coe, 84, of Mount Joy, died unexpectedly at Lancaster General Hospital on Tuesday, March 22, 2011. Born in Mount Vernon Springs, North Carolina, he was the son of the late, John Wesley Vestal and Lillie R. Whitaker Coe. John was a graduate of Pilot Mountain High School. He enjoyed NASCAR, and raced in its inaugural year of 1948 driving his Ford. He also drove a Dog Sled Team that led the 1948 Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. John was the owner of Coe's Garage, Manheim from 1961 until he retired in 2003. John was the husband of Julia "Judy" Collins Coe and they celebrated 60 years of marriage in August 2010. Surviving in addition to his wife are three sons, Barry husband of Esther Coe of Quarryville, John, Jr. husband of Linda Coe of Manheim, Steven Coe of Lititz, two daughters, Wanda Sheaffer of Mount Joy, Sherri Coe of Lancaster, fourteen grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, and six great great-grandchildren. John was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Strohm, a grandson, Randy Sheaffer and a brother, Joseph Coe. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service at the Heilig Funeral Home, 21 W. Main Street, Mount Joy, on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 11:00 AM. with Pastor Randy C. Leitzel officiating. Interment will be in Kraybill Mennonite Cemetery, East Donegal Township. There will be a public viewing on Saturday morning at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until the time of service. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John's memory may be made to Hospice of Lancaster County, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.