Donald Benton “Don” Coefield
September 23, 1931 - July 2, 2024
Donald Benton “Don” Coefield, age 92, of New Castle, DE, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.
Born in Bertie County, NC on September 23, 1931, he was a son of the late Lellion Arnold and Doris Virginia Coefield. Don received his Associates degree from the Norfolk Division of William & Mary College in 1951 (now Old Dominion University). He then enlisted into the U.S. Army and progressed through various schools and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in May of 1952. Leaving the Army in 1954 as Captain, he continued his education at the University of Delaware and graduated in 1957 with a Bachelors in Business Administration. In 1958, Don began a 30 year career as a Human Resources Executive with Chrysler Assembly Plant in Newark, DE where he retired in 1988.
Don and his wife, Susan, loved to travel and made multiple trips to Great Britain and Europe. They also traveled extensively in the Rocky Mountain West and Canadian Rockies and spent many winters in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Susan E. (Smith) Coefield; and his brother, Otis Coefield of Greenville, NC. He is survived by his children, Virginia “Ginger” Ellen McLynn (Jerry) of Somerville, NJ and Steven Benton Vaughn (B.J.) of Franklin, TN; brother, Gail Freeman Coefield; and his nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s name to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 or online by clicking here; or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or online by clicking here.
Robert Abel Jr MD
Dear family,
I have so enjoyed being in the company of youd and granfather for so many years. his wit, wisdom amd courage were so unique. Your mother and dad were such a marvelous team. Don’s generosity was remarkable and his legacy will remain in my heart and deeds.
I hope that the many wonderful moments and his wonderful smile will be a source of comfort at this time. Please know that countles others are sharing in your loss at this time.
With sincerest condolences,
Rob Abel MD