Cletis Coble

Throughout his life, Cletis Coble knew what it meant to put in a hard day at work since he whole-heartedly threw himself into whatever task was at hand from the time he was a very young man. He was a dedicated family man who used his skills as a craftsman to make toys for the children and grandchildren he loved more than life itself. Cletis gained peace, fulfillment, and perspective while driving his tractor, and his children will forever cherish the times their father shared this special time with them. A quiet and easygoing man, Cletis leaves behind lessons in strength, perseverance, and unconditional love that will live on in the hearts and lives of those who follow him.

During a year in which America was introduced to Mickey Mouse, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, and the notorious Al Capone was picked up by Philadelphia police, 1928 was a year of exciting changes in our nation. Prosperity dominated the cultural fabric of our country and people celebrated by purchasing goods that became affordable due to mass production – things such as radios and automobiles. Amidst this vibrant decade, Ellery and Ethel (Ferguson) Coble were delighted to welcome their son, Cletis, into their family on April 10, 1928. Born in Gratiot County, Michigan, Cletis was the only boy in a family of girls. He grew up helping his father on the family farm, instilling within Cletis a strong work ethic and a passion for farming that would remain with him throughout his entire life. He attended country schools near his home, but only through the eighth grade as was so common during this time. As the Great Depression of the thirties hit the agricultural industry particularly hard, the youth of this generation were so often needed to work whether on family farms or in the workplace. In the case of Cletis, it was the farm that called him out of school.

As a young man, life took Cletis on a few different yet exciting journeys. He served in the United States Army and was stationed in Greenland for a time. After he was discharged, Cletis returned home to tend to his duties on the farm. He also worked in a mobile home factory for a time. Cletis was blessed with six children to love and care for: Dennis, Patricia, Martha, Mark, Allen, and Bill. He developed a relationship with his children’s caregiver, Maybelle Swain, that over time grew to a deep love. The couple was united in marriage on December 1, 1974. To their union, Maybelle brought three children of her own who greatly enriched Cletis’s life: Don, John, and Susan. In order to support his family, Cletis worked tirelessly as a dairy farmer. He saved some time in his schedule for his family whenever he could though, even taking his children out to ride on the tractor with him.

Although work took up much of his time, Cletis enjoyed pursuing some of his other interests, too. He was a gifted woodworker who especially liked making toys for his children and later in life, his grandchildren, too. Cletis was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping throughout Michigan. He was even known to “tip over” a raccoon with his shotgun from time to time. Cletis also liked to garden and cut wood, and the time he spent driving his tractor was his peaceful alone time. When it came to music, Cletis liked both country and bagpipe music. he was also an outstanding Euchre player and would get your attention my, grunting, "Hey!" Cletis was a man of simple tastes especially when it came to chocolate. That sweet concoction was stashed all over the house.

Those who knew Cletis Coble knew that there was nothing more important to him than his family and that he lived his life to love them each and every day. He was laid back and mild-mannered, and he always had an open door for stray cats. Cletis loved spending time outdoors no matter what he was doing, yet it was the people in his life who brought him the greatest joy. He will be dearly missed by those who treasure his memory.

Cletis M. Coble died on October 1, 2010 in Ionia Cletis’s family includes his children, Dennis Coble of Oak Hill, Florida, Patricia (Gerald) Kline of Eagle, Martha (Tony) Schmitz of Pewamo, Mark (Jana) Coble of Columbus, Nebraska, Allen (Mary) Coble of Ionia, Bill Coble of Oak Hill, FL, Don (Sheila) Iszler, Nashville, MI, John (Connie) Iszler of Grand Ledge, Susan (Mark) Swain of Nashville, MI, 21 grandchildren and 6 great- grandchildren. Cletis was preceded in death by his wife, Maybelle on July 23, 1998, his parents and 4 sisters. Funeral Services will be 11 a.m. on Monday, October 4, 2010 at the Goerge Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, 11112 W. Ionia St., Fowler, burial at Beebe Cemetery in Gratiot County following the luncheon with Pastor David Hudgens officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the charity of your choice.