Terry Coff

TERRY LEE COFF, 76, went home to be with the Lord on May 1, 2022. He was born on March 9, 1946 in St. Louis, MO. Terry was the son of Robert Louis and Verona Anna McDaniel Coff. He married Karon Ann Giesler, daughter of Eugene and Lerneda on June 27, 1970.

Besides his wife, he is survived by one son and three daughters, Robyn (Chris) Richardson, Brian Coff, Kelly (Michael) Satterfield, and Stephanie (Bryan) Fendler. He is also survived by his sister, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and other relatives. Sister: Marilyn Lou LaGrand. Grandchildren: Wyatt, Avery, Victoria, Gus, and Dalton Richardson; Josiah, Jonathan, Hadessah and Jameson Satterfield; Kylie (Colton) Bates, Audrey, Austin, and Maisey Fendler. Nieces and nephews: Scott Shelton, Stacey (Brad) Shelton Macko, Kenneth (Sue) Zellers, Kimberly Zellers. Great nieces and nephews: Christopher Zellers, Brittany Shelton-Gunnell, Kenneth “Zac” Zellers, Alec (Libby) Macko, Lauren Zellers, and Garret Macko.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister: Joann Jane Coff Shelton; and brother-in-laws: Donald Shelton and Roger Lagrand.
Terry graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1965. He set a state record in the shot put and placed first at the MSHSAA Track and Field Championships, ranking 2nd in the nation. He still holds the shot put record for the St. Louis City Public High School League. At Southeast Missouri State University, he was on athletic scholarship for football and Track and Field. He qualified for NCAA Division II Nationals in the shot put in 1969. Terry won numerous MIAA shot put championships for SEMO. (His 1969 Men’s Track & Field Team was inducted into the SEMO Athletic Hall of Fame later in December 2012.) Member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education.

He was hired by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, graduating from the FBI Academy August 13, 1975. He was first assigned to the Chicago FBI Division (1975-1986) where he served as a Special Agent and later as a Supervisory Special Agent. He was transferred to St. Louis FBI Division April 1986, after working a year-long undercover operation. Terry received numerous awards throughout his FBI career including the Certificate of Commendation for U.S. vs Hawkins, U.S. Department of Justice (1992); Meritorious Achievement Awards from the United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Missouri (2/1995, 9/1995); Meritorious Achievement Award (Wiskaway) from South Central Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (1995); Case Agent Award “Rackwreck,” St. Louis Office of Labor Racketeering; Exemplary Service Supervisory Special Agent Chief Task Force from the FBI (7/1998-12/1999). Although a Supervisory Special Agent, Terry’s first love was being a ‘street agent.’ He retired from the FBI on January 12, 2001.

He served as Chairman (St. Louis, 2003-2006) and Officer of the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI. He was recognized for His Outstanding Service to Our Nation’s Children in the AFCA/FBI National Child Identification Program (2013). He was a member of FBI National Academy Associates, Law Officials of Greater St. Louis, Roosevelt Alumni Association, and Concord Village Lions Club. He worked out faithfully three times a week at the YMCA of South County until his diagnosis of bile duct cancer May 1, 2021.

Terry was known both for his generosity and jovial spirit, as well as for his character of Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity as he fought for justice and safety for all. He valued keeping in touch and gathering friends and family together. He told jokes, played practical jokes, encouraged all to ‘enjoy life,’ and ended conversations with “God Bless.” He was dedicated to God, ‘princess Karon,’ his family, his friends, his community, and America. Terry will be deeply missed by so many.

Services will be held Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Canaan Baptist Church, 5409 Baumgartner Rd, St. Louis, MO 63129. Visitation 12 – 3, Memorial Service 3pm.

Family would like donations to be given to Backstoppers Inc. or de Greeff Hospice House. “God Bless-”

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Email your comments toTerry Hopkins at alohaterry@tampabay.rr.com or Dave Lehmann at drl2916@charter.net

John Dishon sent this in...

"Terry’s loss leaves a great hole in my life. During the Spring of 1969 to June of 1970, Terry and I became very close friends and were roomates as Terry finished his education. Terry taught me so much about caring, friendship and how to enjoy life during this period, changing my life forever.

Although the years blur a bit, I think Karon and Terry began to get serious about each other during the summer of ’69 when we roomed together at Paul’s apartment. (Lots of memories from that time including watching the moon landing and some fine parties). Terry had a love for all of us, wealthy, poor, black, white, it didn’t matter. I remember how Terry helped his friend Chuck get cleaned up and get married—Terry forced him into a sauna and shower at a health club because Chuck probably hadn’t taken a bath in years. He had me lean against the sauna door to keep Chuck trapped while he made Chuck clean up. We went to the wedding and then gave Chuck our apartment for a stay in Cape on his way to a honeymoon that I think Terry paid for.

In the fall and spring of 69’ to 70 Terry and I roomed together while I taught at SEMO. Wild times, but really wonderful. He had so much energy that he shared with all around him. I remember his and Karon’s wedding in Ste Gen and the happiness that all around them shared.

I haven’t seen Terry since that time, but he made a huge impact on my life. I was drafted into the Army and Terry went off to the FBI. In the early 1980’s I discovered an international oil crime occurring where I lived and called Terry at his FBI office. I worked with Terry and the FBI to resolve this crime.

Terry, you are sorely missed, but well remembered. See you in the future."

John Dishon

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From Mike Ervin "Merv"

Dave, this is truly sad needs to hear. Terry was always an inspirational leader as a teammate and friend. He was a beautiful human being and I know he is missed by his family and friends. May his wife and family be comforted by the Presence of the Lord during the difficult times ahead.

Merv

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From Terry Meatheany

So sorry to hear about Terry’s passing. He was a great guy that everyone looked up to. Condolences to his family and we will keep him in our prayers. Thanks Dave for keeping everyone informed.

Terry Meatheany

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From Walter Smallwood

Thank you for this notification - it means a lot.
Being a Black guy in the 60's, receiving a scholarship to SEMO, I met Terry, from Roosevelt H.S. Terry was a kind, sweet, soul, who did not subscribe to the heighted unrest issues so prevalent in the 60's. We saw each other as friends, we never saw skin color - we were friends, buddies, team mates, learning from each other to improve our skills. After graduation from SEMO, we went on to our respective life careers; me, education, Terry, law enforcement; and our friendship & socializing continued to grow and deepen. Terry has gone on to eternal rest. I will always miss him. May his wife Karon and family be comforted by knowing what a special a guy Terry was to each of us over the many years of our friendships. May Terry now rest in God's eternal light.

Walter Smallwood A college education never hurt anybody who was willing to learn after he got it. - Anonymous "We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give." - Winston Churchill

Walter Smallwood

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From Clyde Miner

I didn't know Terry very well at all. But I did come to later find out that he was possibly the best weight man (i.e., shot and discus) the college (now university) ever had. He was a Track and Field athlete; That says a lot about who he was and his dedication to athletics. I suspected he carried that same dedication and resolve into his later life and family. I'll pray for he and his family as, I suspect, will others.

Clyde Miner

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From Ric Wadlington

Terry was a true champion and the ultimate teammate. Terry didn’t say much about Terry but possessed the magic of laughter and provided encouragement to train hard and improve each workout. Many hours were spent with Terry in the weight room; Terry encouraged Ron and I and was a wonderful mentor teaching us how to succeed. Thanks for Terry and may we continue to harvest memories he joyfully left us.

The Rookie Ric Wadlington

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From Lenny Corso

I am sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. He was an icon and a beautiful person. My prayers to his wife and family.
Rest In Peace my friend.
Lenny

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From Lester Willaims!

Terry was a great guy, teammate and friend for a long time. I remember Terry, during our time at SEMO together in the 60's, as a person dedicated to body building and strength training bringing him to All-American status in the shot put and disc. I also remember his obsession of being an FBI agent before he even graduated.
Hoping Terry had a fulfilling life.
May he rest in peace."

What a wonderful and admirable footprint."

Lester Willaims

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From Jim Judd

Very sad news. A true hero in my life!

Jim Judd