H.E. "Barney" Coen, age 59, one of Richland County's finest citizens died this morning, August 22, 1963 at Richland Memorial Hospital. Death followed a lengthy illness. He was a farm owner and manager.

Mr. Coen was born September 8, 1903 in Richland County, and attended schools in Noble and Olney, graduating from Olney High School in 1923. He attended McKendree College and the University of Illinois where he graduated in 1927.

His service to the community included membership on the Board of Education and on the Selective Service Board during World War II. "Barney" was not only a wonderful person but also a great asset to Olney and Richland County. He had served in many civic capacities and had been liberal in his support of almost everything which was helpful to the community's progress.

As a youth he was a star athlete at Noble and then Olney high school and after graduating  from the University of Illinois he taught and coached at Olney High School and at Herrin High School. He returned to Richland County in the early 1930's to assist his father, the late John H. Coen in operation of the family's large farming interests. When the oil activity came, the 640 acre farm north of Noble became one of the best oil farms in the state. Mr. Coen continued his heavy farming schedule and entered into a number of businesses in which he remained in the background, chiefly offering financial assistance to persons he liked and trusted.

He was a member of the First Methodist Church of Olney, Olney Lodge No. 140 A. F. & A. M., Gorin Commnadery No. 14, Knights Templar, Olney Council No. 55, Royal and Select Masons, Henry Godeke Chapter No. 38 R.A.M., Ainad Temple of the Shrine, East St. Louis, Center Shrine Club of Olney, Olney Rotary Club and was active in many community affairs.

He is survived by his wife, Helen, whom he married in 1929; one son, John R. Coen of Olney; one daughter, Mrs. Forrest G. (Janet) Wikoff of Decatur and four grandchildren.

Funeral services at First Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Maurice L. Winn and Rev. Paul Ragsdale officiating. Interment in Haven Hill Cemetery.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)