John R. Coen, 74, has passed away.  Born in 1935 to Barney and Helen Coen, John was a lifelong resident of Olney. He graduated from East Richland high school, where he was valedictorian of the class of 1953. He attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, and the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana. His enthusiasm for education continued with his participation on the local school board and involvement in Olney Central College.

John was a fourth-generation farmer who continued to work the family ground originally purchased by his great-grandfather, John Jacob Fausnacht. He also was an avid pilot and auto racing enthusiast and driver, being a 50-year member of the Sports Car Club of America.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Mimsie Coen; sister Janet Wikoff and her husband Bill Young of Bradenton, Florida; sister-in-law Billie Minor of Grass Valley, California, and brother-in-law David Eagleson of Olney; children Annie Bonvouloir and her husband John of Nederland, Colorado, Carol Coen of Georgetown, Texas, and Chris Coen and his husband Shawn Champagne of Guadalajara, Mexico; grandson Jay Bonvouloir of Westminster, Colorado; nieces Sue Eagleson of Richmond, Texas, Mimsie Farrar of Modesto, California, Kathy Saint Clair of Longmont, Colorado and Cami Franz of Sullivan, Illinois; and nephews Dr. Frank Minor of Grass Valley, California and Andy Eagleson of Olney.

Memorials may be made to the Richland Heritage Museum and the Humane Society of Olney Area. A private service will be held later.