Russell Edward Coomes passed away peacefully on February 18, 2019, at his home in Monument. He was born on September 29, 1957, in Owensboro, KY, the 5th of 7 children born to Richard and Mary Lou Coomes.
While battling cancer at the age of 19, Russ asked God to give him 25 years. He wanted to marry, have children, and raise his family; ultimately, God granted him 42 more years, and he lived those years with faith, love, and the humility of knowing that each day was a gift.
Russ was a life-long educator, holding the positions of PE Teacher, Athletic Director, Coach, Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of Student Services, and Charter School Liaison in Kentucky and, locally, in Woodland Park School District RE2, Harrison School District #2, and Colorado Springs School District #11.
His passions included his family in Colorado and Kentucky, all sports, especially golf, the Denver Broncos, the Air Force Falcons, and the Louisville Cardinals. Travel with his wife Deb was something that they both loved.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Leslie and Mary Lou (Miller) Coomes, and brothers Scott and Mike.
He is survived by his loving wife, Deb, children Angela, Rusty, twin daughters Katie and Kelly (Asselin,) granddaughter Mia, daughter-in-law Aisha, son-in-law Tyler, future son-in-law Jonathan, stepchildren Caylee (Chittenden) and Mac (Chittenden), siblings Richard, Patrick, Melody (Alford), and Joy, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
Russ’s wish was that family and friends would honor his memory by enjoying life.
God is great! Life is good!
“My Blessings”
By Russ Coomes
February, 2010
Heaven only knows what life I am to live,
I stumble when gaining, when I should learn to give.
Fortune, Favor, and Fame are a few of life’s deadly paths,
Humility and Service are the true answers to this life’s simple math.
When time fades my sins of this life’s past,
I pray the memories of me are good, inspiring, not hurtful or crass.
The legacy I yearn when I reach heaven’s glory,
Is that my children will know MY blessings and share my life’s story.
A visitation will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd. A Celebration of Life will be held at Wilson United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 16, 2019.
In lieu of flowers, Russ has requested donations be made to Wendell Foster’s Campus for Developmental Disabilities in Owensboro, KY, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Debi Blackwell
21 Feb 2019The world was, indeed, blessed by this special man! My heartfelt sympathies are extended to Deb and all the family members. May your faith and fond memories sustain you at this time of grief.
Tracy H. Cecil
21 Feb 2019Prayers for all the family.
Reva Epler
21 Feb 2019Deb, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love you, Mrs E.
Alison
22 Feb 2019Deb thinking of you. I wish I could be there and give you a hug
Brenda Harting
22 Feb 2019What a truly great man! May God give you comfort and may you be blessed by the stories and love that people share of Russ.
Brenda Hinman Williams
23 Feb 2019No words… just hugs.
Wayne Caudill
26 Feb 2019“Your worst putt is better than your best chip shot.” Shots on goal, my man. You left so many teachings in the huge wake of the small wave of this life. Bigger yet is the wave of love you left… God speed. Thank you for the time you spent with us. -W