Derwood Emman Coe

NORTH MANCHESTER – Derwood Emman Coe, 92, passed away on Oct. 24, 2026, at Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City.
Born on April 17, 1934, in Warsaw, to Orman and Marie Michael Coe, Derwood was rooted in his local community. He graduated from Chester High School in 1952 and attended Manchester College for two years before being drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served his country before receiving an honorable discharge.
On June 28, 1958, Derwood married Diane, beginning a remarkable marriage that spanned 68 years. Together they built a family that became the center of his world and his greatest source of pride. Over the years, their lives were enriched by the blessing of two children, four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
A man of steady faith and strong community ties, Derwood was a longtime member of the Liberty Mills Community Church (formerly Liberty Mills United Methodist Church) in Liberty Mills. Professionally, he dedicated more than 30 years of his career to Navistar International, serving as a process engineer until his retirement in 1984. Civic-minded and sociable, he was also a proud member of Deming Lodge #88 in North Manchester for over 50 years and American Legion Post 297 in Payne, Ohio.
Derwood will be fondly remembered for his one-of-a-kind sense of humor and his knack for keeping those around him on their toes with a well-timed joke or a bit of playful mischief. With Derwood, there was never a dull moment. He was a true straight-shooter who valued honesty, always telling people what they needed to hear rather than what they wanted to hear — a candid trait that earned him the deep respect of those who knew him best.
He found joy in life's simple pleasures, whether he was out on the water fishing or cheering from the stands at Manchester High School basketball games, where he was a familiar and welcome face for years. Derwood’s mornings were faithfully spent enjoying the McDonald’s Coffee Club, where he and his friends gathered daily to trade stories and "solve the world’s problems."
The loving memory of Derwood Coe will be forever cherished by his wife, Diane Coe, of North Manchester; daughter, Dee (Brett) Patrick, of North Manchester; daughter-in-law, Debbie Coe, North Manchester; grandchildren: Lindsay (Tommy) Clawson, of Hobart; David (Andrea) Coe, of Warsaw; Keaton (Cassie) Patrick, of Warsaw; and Kaleigh (Nick) Kosko, of Pickerington, Ohio; and eight great-grandchildren. Derwood was preceded in death by his parents; and son, Dennis Coe.
Family and friends may call Friday, Oct. 30 from 4 to 7 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 Ind. 114 West, North Manchester. A Masonic service will begin at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 31 at 10 a.m. with calling beginning at 9 a.m. at McKee Mortuary, with Pastor Paul Rupert officiating. Burial will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery in North Manchester.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Derwood Coe, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.
The family of Derwood Coe has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com