Perry Coil

Perry Jay Coil, 59, of Jefferson, passed away March 10 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines.

Perry was born on April 21, 1960, in Newport Beach, Calif., to Harry Coil and Patricia Peterson. Most of his life was spent in Santa Ana, Calif., where he enjoyed many friends. 

He was employed as a taxi driver, both in California and in Des Moines, and also worked as a driver for Union Pacific Railroad.

Perry eventually followed his family from California to Iowa as they resettled in the Jefferson area. Until recently, when his illness made travel difficult, Perry liked to spend time at his second home in Oklahoma City.

Perry had many interests in life, from politics to religion, and was a Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma Sooners fan. 

He was also an avid gardener and prided himself on growing super-hot chili peppers. Perry grew a pepper plant from a seed he had received from a family friend in California when he moved to Iowa and continued to care for the plant up until his passing. He would move the plant into a makeshift greenhouse in his garage to ensure it would survive the harsh winter and offer a reminder of the life and friends he left behind in California. He also enjoyed grinding custom blends of chili powder and making salsa that he would deliver to his friends and family. 

But above all, Perry loved meeting and talking with people. He had a sharp wit and will be sorely missed.

Perry is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Marion Coil and Mildred Bedford Coil; maternal grandparents Ernest Peterson and Erma Baynes Peterson; many aunts and uncles; and his niece, Brianna.

Perry is survived by brothers: Patrick Coil, Andrew Coil (Tommie Coil) and Stephen Coil, all of Jefferson; and a sister, Lisa Coil Jackson (Kevin Jackson), of Irvine, Calif.: step-sisters Melissa (Jeff) Niles, of Jefferson; and Michelle Dawson, of Swea City; father Harry Coil (Marietta Coil) and mother Patricia Peterson, all of Jefferson; nephews and nieces: Kamarin Jackson, of Irvine, Calif.; Sean Coil, of Jefferson; and Tara Coil, of Des Moines; aunts and uncles: Robert Coil, of Norton, Kan.; Robert Peterson, of Madrid; Eddie Peterson, of Iowa Falls; and Dorothy Leveque, of Rockland, Calif.; numerous cousins, many friends and extended family.

Perry’s family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Hanson, Dr. Hoffman and the special nurses at Greene County Medical Center.

A funeral service was held March 16 at the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, with words of comfort by Mike Winger.

Music included “Breathe” and “Silent Lucidity.” 

Honorary bearers were Stephen Coil, Robert Hadley, David Miller, Kenny Rosser, Abel Aguilar and David Reed.

Casket bearers were Anthony Arbuckle, Robert Peterson, Jeffrey Peterson, Andrew Coil, Patrick Coil and Caden Etherton.

Interment was in the Jefferson Cemetery.