David Coberly Obituary

Coberly
David Lee
Coberly
September 4, 1951
July 29, 2023

Redeemed by Christ Jesus, David Lee Coberly, 71, long-time resident of Colorado Springs, was taken up to glory on July 29, 2023.

Born on September 4, 1951 at Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, NC, David was the middle child of William and Doris Coberly. His early life was typical of that experienced by other military families. The three young boys were well disciplined, a characteristic that served him well throughout life. Upon his dad's military retirement, the family relocated to Fowler, CO. While at college in Ottawa, Kansas, he met his sweet soulmate, Jean, whom he married in June, 1971 just as he was about to enter Army basic training.

His 20-year military career was served in locations both domestic and foreign, including the conflict in Southeast Asia as a Hanoi dialect linguist. He then served in Berlin as a Russian linguist. He was thrilled to have the opportunity, mid-career, to fly Hueys as a helicopter ambulance aviator. He was a standardization instructor pilot who strove for excellence in everything he did. While serving in Korea, he maximized all available non-working hours by completing his Bachelor of Arts in 1990. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer in 1991. He was awarded the Air Medal three times.

As a Freemason, David was brought to Freemasonry by his father in Ashlar Lodge #115, in Fowler, Colorado. He learned his degree work quickly and progressed through the three degrees before being deployed to Southeast Asia. He was able to enjoy only a few Masonic experiences while on active duty, especially visiting the impressive formal Lodge in Berlin in 1976.

He served as Worshipful Master of Silver State Lodge No. 95 in Pueblo, Colorado in 2002, and Worshipful Master of Enlightenment Lodge No. 198 in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2016.

He was elected to the position of Grand Master of Masons in Colorado in 2020, and rose to the challenges of leadership in that year of extraordinary crisis for the nation.

Throughout his Masonic Journey, MWB David served in numerous Masonic organizations, and received many Masonic Honors. His honors included being Coroneted as a 33rd Degree Inspector General (Honorary) of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons of Colorado, Governor of the Southern Colorado York Rite Sovereign College, Puissant Sovereign of the Sangre de Cristo Chapter of the Red Cross of Constantine, Sovereign Master of Gofannin No. 315 Allied Masonic Degrees, and Preceptor Magi Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest. He was a member of the Royal Order of Scotland, and recipient of the Purple Cross of the York Rite Sovereign College.

He is survived by his wife, Jean; step-brother, William (Patty); sisters-in-law, Marsha, Ruth, Alice, and Diane; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, James and Thomas; his step-sister, Carol; and other extended family members.

A Masonic Memorial Service, with military honors, will be held at 2:00PM, on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at the Colorado Springs Masonic Center, 1150 Panorama Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904.

David will be laid to rest at 10:00AM, On Thursday, September 21, 2023 at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80925.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in David's honor to a charity with special meaning to you and your family.