Andre Coe

Andre Coe, long term resident of Abilene, former editorial assistant in the Dallas bureau of The Associated Press and the cooperatives regional news desk in Phoenix, died Friday, December 2 after battling lung and brain cancer for almost two years. He was 36. Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, December 9, 2011 from 6:308:30 PM at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South. The funeral will be Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 10:00 AM at King Solomon Baptist Church,. Andre was born May 13, 1975 in Ft. Worth at Carswell AFB to Andy and Irene Coe. He was the 3rd child of four children. After graduating from Abilene Cooper High School, he moved to Austin to attend school. He graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in sociology in 2000 and returned to the school to earn a second degree in journalism in 2003. It was there where he pursued his passion for his country and desire to help others. Andre gave back to his community through his service with his fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma and contemplated a military career while serving as a cadet in the ROTC.
Upon graduating from college, Andre realized his dream of being a journalist, writing for several publications including the Montgomery AL Advertiser, the Dallas Examiner, Austin American Statesman and the Associated Press. During his career at the AP, Coe reported from the Texas Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane Ike in 2008, and was one of the first reporters to arrive at the scene of a bus crash that killed 17 passengers in Sherman earlier that year. He wrote about the 45th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the return of US Airways Capt. Chesley Sully Sullenberger, who successfully landed a passenger jet in the Hudson River in 2009, to his hometown of Denison. Andre would appear in our cramped newsroom after a long day out in the wet heat of a summer disturbed by Ike, drop a backpack heavy with gear, and inquire about our story, said David Scott, the APs Central Regional editor. Invariably, it was a story for which hed again earned the byline, having dictated throughout the day the details and interviews that made it work. Coe had just started working as an editorial assistant at the APs West Regional desk in Phoenix, AZ 2010 when he was diagnosed with brain and lung cancer. Andre was an inspiration to everyone he met, said Dale Leach, APs Chief of Bureau for Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. Even when his body was failing, his spirit remained hopeful and uplifting. We will miss his presence, but always remember his spirit. Andre also said his biggest accomplishment was being a journalist, working where he could tell other peoples stories. While battling his illness, Coe would often visit his colleagues and joke about the weight and hair he lost during his treatment for cancer.
He was a constant upbeat presence on Facebook. He remained happy, joyful and positive even while being fully cognizant of what he was facing and he truly inspired everyone who knew him during that period because he fought that battle joyfully, said Matt Curry, a reporter in the APs Dallas bureau, who became good friends with Coe as they worked together at night. While Coe was ill, he wrote a book of humorous stories about his life titled The Life and Times of a Curly Headed Kid from West Texas. Andre was very carefree, Kim Bogney, one of Andres sister said. He lived his life. He didnt leave anything on the table.
Andre was a member of North Dallas Community Bible Fellowship Church and most recently was attending at One Community Church in Allen. Make no mistake about it, Andre was saved and will now reside with our King
Coe is survived by his mother, Irene Coe of Abilene two sisters, Vickie Hall Sam of Plano and Kim Bogney Darrell of Allen, his brother, Anthony Coe of Round Rock, nephews Samuel Hall and Donovan Bogney and niece Jessica Hall. Proceeding him in death is his father Andy Coe.

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Friday, December 9, 2011
6:30 till 8:30 PM

Service

Funeral Service

King Solomon Baptist Chruch
1050 Minda St.
Abilene, TX  79605
Saturday, December 10, 2011
10:00 AM

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606