Melvin L. Coash

Melvin Coash, 90, passed away Sunday, January 13, 2013, at Bishop Drumm in Johnston. He was born April 4, 1922, in Clifton, Kansas, to Russell and Hazel (Scouten) Coash.

In 1940, Mel graduated from Clifton High School where he played football, basketball, ran track, and was involved in the choir and band. After graduation, Mel served in the United States Navy during WWII as Radioman 1st Class, and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands. He completed radio trade school and spent his career as a radio and television engineer. He worked for WHO-TV for 35 years, retiring in 1987.

Mel married the love of his life, Maureen Shepard, on July 14, 1945, in Aurora, Illinois. They had five children. He was a lifelong member of All Saints Catholic Church, and involved in their choir and marriage preparation programs. Mel was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Mel was one of the first members of the Justo Hijo Magic Club Ring 167, and served as President and Treasurer of the club. He was a 50-year member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) where he was a territorial representative for 25 years, and also a member of the Society of American Magicians (SAM).

He will be remembered for his charity, his kindness and generosity and his sense of humor. He was a loyal friend and jokester who could always bring a smile to someone’s face. Mel was a loving father and grandfather. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Maureen; son, Jack; his parents, and brother, Gene Coash. Mel is survived by his children, Jerry T. (Meri), Loretta J. Stubbs, Bob (Julie), and Rick; daughter-in-law, Vicki; grandsons, Joshua Stubbs, Jerry (Cristina) Coash, Joel Stubbs, Jake Coash, and John Coash; great-grandchildren, Audri, Jack and Grace; sisters, Dorothy Gardner of Atchison, KS, Fran Kantack of Brookings, SD, and Donna Lee Coash of Clifton, KS; brothers, John (Lois) Coash of Albequerque, NM, David (Reva) Coash of Clyde, KS, Ron (Linda) Coash of Clay Center, KS, and Duane (Alberta) Coash of Goodland, KS.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m., Monday, January 21, 2013, at All Saints Catholic Church, 650 NE 52nd Avenue, Des Moines. The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, at the church, with a 7 p.m. Rosary. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

In loving memory of Mel, memorial contributions may directed toward the family to be designated to charities at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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