Obituary of David Coar

Remembering the Life and Legacy of David Coar: David Coar was born on July 14, 1933, in Orlando, Florida. He was the second of eleven children born to the late Allison and Rosell Coar. David and his family relocated in 1945 to New York City where he continued his education and graduated from Haaren High School in Midtown Manhattan. Shortly after, he enlisted into the United States Army where he served in the occupational forces in Germany during the Korean War until 1955, he was honorably discharged in 1961. After his time in the military, David worked some years for the United Postal Service and Erie Lackawanna Railroad until he found his way to Camden, New Jersey in 1959. Here he met Gertrude Squires, and they were later united in marriage in 1975. He provided love and care for her and her family until her death. After waiting three years he decided in his heart to remarry and the Lord sent him his “Jersey Sweet Potato,” Doris P. Jackson. They fell in love and were united in marriage in 1988. They shared a great life full of laughter and love for twenty-seven and a half years until her unexpected passing in January 2016. David was a man of many skills and talents who never let too much grass grow under his feet. He was a Head Cook who later became a Carpenter, building houses for 32 years. He started his own Chimney Cleaning business to supplement income in the winters when carpentry work was slow. In June 2000 he completed his certification training at the Technical Institute of Camden County for Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. He partnered with his good friend Herbert Walden in a successful home improvement business for fifteen years providing services for replacement windows, security doors, siding, roofing, plumbing, electric and cement work. You name it they did it! He also worked for Cooper Hospital for ten years, retired and worked again as a paratransit driver for another ten years, retired again and worked as a crossing guard where he received an honor for ensuring the safety of children. He finally retired “for real” in January 2020. David was a man after God’s heart who recommitted his life to Christ in October,1972 and joined Mt. Calvary Baptist Church where he was affectionately known to his church family as “Brother Deacon Coar.” He was a diligent and faithful servant until his health began to fail in 2021, serving on the Deacon Board, Ushers, Food Bank, Sunday School, Male Chorus, and Silver Saints. But his heart was for Evangelism, where he served over twenty years in the Outreach Ministry. David was not ashamed of his personal testimony or the message of the Gospel, he shared it with anyone he met. Always willing to give of himself and tell someone about a Man who could save from the gutter most to the uttermost. His servant’s heart was no secret to his family, he was Pop, Pop-Pop, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and friend - a treasure, who gave of himself tirelessly and unselfishly. He would spend time baking up delicious cakes or frying up a turkey for whatever occasion, or no occasion at all. He knew just how to make you feel appreciated and seen, greeting you with witty humor, a story, or a dance. David was balanced, a man of order and would set you straight (in love) when needed. Although he had no biological children of his own, he was a compassionate, loving, and giving father figure who encouraged his unique family to do their best, work hard and to live good lives pleasing to God.