Walter R. Coehins

Walter Rodney Coehins, beloved son of the late Arthur, Sr. and Veronica Coehins, was born on September 12, 1944, in Washington, DC. Walter was next to the youngest of 9 children. He was preceded in death by sisters: Catherine “Baby Sis” Veronica Burns (William), Rose Carter (James), Annette “Sugar Pea”, Patricia “Lump” Scott (David), and Barbara Jean Coehins; brothers: Arthur Joseph Coehins and Sylvester “Ves” Coehins (). As a devout and practicing Roman Catholic, Walter received the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion at Saint Cyprian Roman Catholic Church where he attended in his early youth. Walter remained a faithful Catholic throughout his illness and was a member of Holy Comforter St. Cyprian until his death. Walter received his education in the DC Public School System: Love Joy Elementary, Elliot Jr. High, and Phelps Vocational High School. He counseled boys at summer camps in Mount Pleasant, VA for years before graduation. Shortly after graduation, he followed his brother, Arthur Jr., into the Navy where he received an Honorable Discharge. In lieu of his honorable service to his country, ironically, he never learned to swim! Knowing the smooth man he was, the Navy swim coach must have been a woman who he could charm for a passing grade! Walter had many other talents. He was very gifted as an athlete. He tried out for the Santiago Padres and before he got his first chance at bat, he was deployed into service where he carried his love for baseball and basketball with him into the Navy. Walter played sports on many teams throughout his service all over the world in the Navy. Walter was an avid Commanders (Redskins) fan. While in the Navy, he married Evelyn Coehins (deceased). After his honorable discharge, he was a counselor and coach for boys in the community of NW DC schools and he worked for the National Gallery of Art until his retirement as an HVAC Engineer. Walter was very proud of his family and espoused love for them all! He was fun-loving and willing to give a helping hand and encouraging words to all that would listen. Those left to cherish his memory will always know him as the sports loving ‘party animal’ of the 1970s throughout the 1980s! In 1972, he met Burnette Bumberey (deceased) along with her daughter, Marchelle. Burnette and Walter had a son, Lydell (deceased). Lydell died suddenly on November 3, 2024. It was the will of our Heavenly Father that our beloved Walter was taken home to be with Him on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at the Genesis Nursing Home in Waldorf, MD. Leaving behind to cherish his precious memories are his grandson, Lydell Coehins, Jr. (Mbali); one brother, Norwood “Sonny” Coehins (Serena); caregiving nieces, Donna (Anthony) and Deborah Carter; Long-term companion, Joyce Linder; long-time devoted best friend, Rudolph Robinson; along with a host of nieces and nephews and their families.

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Walter R. Coehins

September 12, 1944 - October 20, 2024