Lawrence Wilson Coyne
December 28, 1917 ~ July 28, 2017
Lawrence Wilson Coyne, 99, of Linden passed away July 28, 2017. Mr. Coyne was born December 28, 1917 in Greeley, Colorado to A.C. Coyne and Lela Wray Coyne. Lawrence was a graduate of Linden High School. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University in 1941 and later earned a Master’s degree from California Polytechnic State University. He began a career teaching agricultural and vocational education in Peacock, Texas public schools. During the school year the United States entered World War II, and Lawrence enlisted in the United States Navy that summer upon the completion of his teaching duties. He served in the Navy for three and one half years through the completion of the War and attained the rate of Carpenter’s Mate, Second Class. After the war, Lawrence returned to teaching vocational education for a few years, including one year at Marshall High School, and he also worked some with the Texas Agricultural Extension service.
Lawrence soon went to work for the United States Department of State in the Foreign Service. He spent over 25 years in the Foreign Service where he taught modern agricultural sciences in rural communities and developing countries across Africa and Asia. During his career with the State Department his major stations included Libya, Iraq, South Korea, Nigeria, Chad, and Vietnam. His work and travels with the federal government carried him to many more countries throughout the world.
Lawrence was a member of the American Legion Post in Linden. He also proudly served many years in all capacities on the Linden Cemetery Association. Lawrence grew up Baptist, but attended Linden United Methodist Church later in life with his wife, Frances. He loved his Sunday school class where he would always be early to prepare the coffee for everyone.
Lawrence took pride in the service and joy in the fellowship of being a Mason and a Shriner. He was a 32nd degree Mason and life-long member of Linden Lodge # 192.
In retirement Lawrence enjoyed carpentry, gardening, and especially fishing. He treasured the times he could get away with his twin brother Clarence or his good friend Bennett Hill to area lakes to catch a mess of fish. Afterwards he would enjoy planning a fish fry at the lodge to share his catch. However, he most enjoyed his cabin on Club Lake, where he loved fishing with his children and teaching his grandchildren how to fish.
He is survived by four sons, Lawrence Wilson Coyne, II, Lloyd Douglas “Doug” Coyne, Eric Coyne and wife Johanna, Robin Coyne and wife Mary; grandchildren, Matthew Martin, Jason Coyne and wife Mary, Tese’ Stone and husband David, Clinton Coyne and wife Tina, Jenise Coyne Daigle, Jake Morphew and wife Natalie, Carly Lovelace and husband Bryan, Hannah Polach, Erica Daniels and husband Vince; great-grandchildren, Misti Cranford, Brittani Stone Cranford, ShyAnne Stone, Avery Madison Daigle, Alexa Faith Daigle, Madilyn Coyne, Bryce Coyne, Kyndall Coyne, Julia Morphew, Josiah Lawrence Lovelace, Jocelyn Lovelace, Kayla Daniels, Garren Daniels; great-great-grandchild, Kage Cranford; others special to Lawrence: Ben Morphew, Becky Whatley, Vicki Edge, Amanda Baker; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Skee Castner; sister, Onieda Barkley; twin brother, Clarence Woodrow Coyne; wife, Elizabeth Pittman Coyne; wife, Frances Morphew Coyne and daughter, Sandra Kay Coyne.
Services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 1, 2017 in the chapel of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Linden with Bro. Jeff Taylor officiating. There will be a private family burial under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Linden.
There will be a time of visitation one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.
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Today we lost a much beloved uncle,my dad’s twin brother. He will always have a place in our hearts and be remembered as a soft spoken, sweet soul. Now he can join dad and they can fish together for eternity. May he rest in peace.
R.I.P. MR COYNE , YOU WILL BE MISSED BY ALL ,YOU TOUCHED A MANY OF PERSON HERE IN LINDEN WITH YOUR GOOD DEEDS , I’M GLADE I GOT TO KNOW YOU
Rest in peace, Papa. I know you’re enjoying some great fishing on the pier with my sweet Mimmy!! I love you.
I only wish I could have known him..
Larry, There are no words to say or comfort you for the loss of of your father. We do know by knowing you he was an awesome man as the fruit never falls to far from the tree. We have lost another one of "our greatest generation" we thank him for his selfless service to our great nation . May God’s love comfort you during this time . Rick and Carla
Sending heartfelt condelences to all of the family. Much love from Anne, Jack, and Brad, Greg, and Clay.
God love you, Lonnie, you lived a remarkable life. So much enjoyed knowing you.
Great man! He will be missed…