COLUMBIA CITY – Ernest Jay Coy Jr., 63, Leesburg, passed away at 9:55 a.m. March 12, 2014, at his home on Tippecanoe Lake. He was born April 11, 1950, in Wolf Lake, to Ernest Jay Sr. and Ruth Maxine Gaff Coy. On Dec. 20, 1969, at Grace Lutheran Church, Columbia City, he married Connie S. Strader, his wife of 44 years, who survives. He grew up in the Columbia City and Tri-Lakes area. He attended Columbia City High School, graduating with the Class of 1968. He earned his associate’s degree from IPFW and a bachelor’s degree from Goshen College. He worked at Fruehauf Trailer Corp. for 18 years and on Oct. 1, 1990, he joined Biomet in their quality department. He later became an engineer and a manager. He had attended Calvary Methodist Church, Syracuse, and was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Columbia City, and a Master Mason of Garrett City Lodge #537 F&AM. He spent many of his summers playing, coaching and umpiring softball at Morsches Park. Also surviving are a son, Jay Coy, Noblesville; a daughter, Vanessa Coy-Holloway, Leesburg; two sisters, Tanya (and spouse Steven) Christman, Fort Wayne, and Betty (and spouse Steven) Wilkinson, Columbia City; six grandchildren: Addie, Brian, Ian, Regan, Andrew and Ryan; and his two pugs, Waldy and Izzy. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Rebecca Beatty, and brother-in-law, Harry Beatty. Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, with the Rev. David Herr officiating. Burial is in Oak Grove (Compton) Cemetery. Calling is from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home with a Masonic service at 5 p.m. ***** Memorials to donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent via visit www.demoneygrimes.com
