VERGENNES – Oren E. Coffer, 80, of Vergennes, passed away at 8:46 pm, Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.

Oren was born in Murphysboro, on May 11, 1944, the son of Joseph Benjamin and Edelle Coffer (Crain). He was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Vergennes. Oren was a Farmer/Livestock Producer and a Cowboy. He was an avid Horseman and participated in a wide variety of Western Horse Competitions.  Oren was a member of AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association), American Angus Association, the Elverado School Board from 1980-1988, played for the Martin Oilers Independent Basketball Team, graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science from SIU College of Agriculture in 1967, was on the livestock judging team at SIU for 1 year, he had the AQHA Horse of the Year for Illinois Wrangler Division Rodeo in 2009, and was chosen for the 50 Year Horse Society in 2021. Due to his natural gift for teaching, his family established and appointed him as the head of Oren Coffer University, where he mentored others in OC Life Philosophy and Western Horsemanship.

Oren is survived by his children, Cheryl Lynn (Steve) Smith of O'Fallon, MO and Tim (Paula) Coffer of Sullivan, IL; grandchildren, Andrew (Jessica) Smith, Courtney (Matt) Sumners, Gareth Coffer and Anyssa Coffer; great grandchildren, Payton Pulley-Smith, Juniper, Elliot, Emma and Olivia Sumners; sister, Wilma Westerfield of DeSoto, IL; special cousin/little brother, Kevin (Robin) Williams of DeSoto, IL and their children, Erin Williams and Denton (Ashley) Williams; niece, Kelli Blaise and her daughter, Kailyn (Scott) Harmon, and their son, Warren; and niece, Kimbra Schirmer.

Oren was preceded in death by his Parents; sister, JoAnn (Russell) Schirmer; infant sister, Mary Jane Coffer; cousin/little sister, Rita Williams.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava. Burial will follow in Parrish Cemetery in Vergennes. Visitation will be held at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, where friends may call on Tuesday from 5 pm until 8 pm and on Wednesday from 7:30 am until 11 am. The preferred form of remembrance are memorials to Elverado Education Foundation or Parrish Cemetery.

In tribute to Oren's passion for the Western way of life, we kindly ask that you wear your favorite Western attire as we round up to celebrate his life.