Nathan Dean Coffer

Nathan was a curious and introspective kid that grew into a kind and humble man. He was a gentle giant with a passive nature and was the quiet protector of his family. He loved his family more than anything. It was hard to get to know him as he rarely let people into his life, but those that he did allow in became family and were loved and cherished as such.

Nathan was a veteran Navy corpsman, and served proudly. He used his artistic ability while serving to design the challenge coin for his unit that is still in use, and designed and painted a wall mural for the pediatric wing of the Naval clinic he was stationed at in Charleston, S. Carolina. He was an avid Texas A&M and Denver Bronco fan and knew that it was a bonus when Von Miller joined the Broncos.

Whether he was holding a pencil, a pen, or a guitar, he contributed beauty to the world. Nathan loved music and was one of lucky guys that could pick up most any instrument and play it well. He played in several bands throughout his years in both civilian and military life and spent many hours designing and building guitars or customizing them just for fun. He was an accomplished artist and helped his dad paint several sets and scenic backgrounds for The Theatre Company in Bryan, Texas. Unbeknownst to most, he was a poet as well, and has penned many thought-provoking poems.

Over the past few years, the effects of military-related injuries caused his health to decline. When it became evident that his time was short after being hospitalized in June, he made it his quest to personally call all of his past and present civilian and military friends as long as he could. Though he did not get to all, he did contact several hundred that he might share the news personally and be able to hear their voices for one last time. Those that he did not get to was not due to the lack of trying, but due to the rapid decline in his health. Even in end, he retained his sense of humor. He spent the last weeks of his short life surrounded by his friends and family. He passed peacefully and quietly as was his nature holding the hand of his brother, Kyle.

He will be forever missed by all that knew him, but he would want the memory of happier days with him to help heal the pain and sorrow of those left behind.

The family wishes to thank the staffs of Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, and Baylor Scott & White Hospital of Temple for the loving care given him.

Nathan is survived by his parents, Dean and Lisa Coffer of Ft. Leavenworth, KS; sisters Meredith Wagner and Sara Coffer, and brother Kyle Coffer all of the Brazos Valley; his “Mimi” Lucy Morgan; and his nieces and nephew whom he loved dearly, Grace, Evan and Ruby; as well as each of his dear friends. He was preceeded in death by his maternal grandfather, Orus Morgan; and his brother, Ryan Coffer.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Nathan's name to https://brazosvalleycares.org/.

Faded Memories

By Nathan Coffer

Drifting away,

Our childhood fades,

That carefree life,

Our memories frayed.

How I wish now,

I could go back home,

My soft warm bed,

And sins unknown.

But I still recall,

That old yard swing,

It’s soft quiet squeaks,

And the joy it would bring.

With friends in the yard,

We play in the rain,

How I wish now,

To feel it again.