C.M. Coffee, 94, of Miles City, passed away on October 10th in the presence of his family at the Holy Rosary Health Center.
Clyde Merwyn Coffee, Jr. was born on the family ranch near Miami, Texas on May 22, 1921, to Clyde Merwyn and Abbey (Gripp) Coffee. Like all of us, C.M. was formed by his youth. Times were tough in the late 1920’s and early 30’s across the entire country. The panhandle of Texas was especially hard hit in the heart of the dust bowl. At age nine, C.M. was riding horseback with his father on the family ranch. The elder Coffee was on a young horse that was very green. After riding a considerable ways from the house, his father was bucked off with his foot getting stuck in the stirrup. Young C.M. eventually gathered the horse; however, his father was gravely injured and died before reaching town. Apparently, C.M. understood at this early age the importance of strong horseman and cowboying skills, and continued to hone these skills over a lifetime.
C.M.’s mother was a true frontier woman and did her best to take care of C.M., his two younger brothers, Walter (“Squink”) Coffee and Tom Coffee, all while running the family ranch. Many stories illustrate how strong and self-reliant “Mama Coffee” was from gardening, to rendering hogs, to handling firearms. She instilled lasting manners and the ways of a southern gentleman in her boys that have stood the test of time.
At an early age C.M. started working for neighboring ranches after school and on weekends, in addition to working on his family’s place. During this time, C.M. also started competing in local rodeos. He competed in all events except for bull riding. As he grew, so did his rodeo circle. C.M. won many saddle bronc, roping, dogging and all-around titles throughout the panhandle area of Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.
Upon graduation from high school he was drafted into to the Army Air Corp. It was during his military service when he first came to Montana. He was sent to Missoula and received training in flight, parachuting and related areas. However, since the Japanese surrendered during this time, C.M. was sent to be a tail gunner on a B24 in the Army’s mop up operations in the Pacific Theater. He was eventually stationed in the Philippines, but traveled throughout the U.S. and the Pacific.
Upon honorable discharge from the Army, C.M. returned to the panhandle of Texas and returned to rodeo. He was rehired to work on a ranch where he worked in high school. Not long after his return, the ranch owner asked C.M. if he would like to go to Montana and run a new ranch the owner recently acquired. C.M. took the opportunity and headed north. The ranch was in the Pine Hills just southeast of Miles City.
C.M. worked hard and saved his money. Over time, C.M. bought half of the ranch and became partners with the owner’s son. Eventually, the son sold his interest in the ranch to C.M. Years later, C.M. would sell this ranch and buy a cattle & sheep operation at Sumatra. Through the decades C.M. has owned, operated and leased ranches across Custer, Rosebud and Prairie Counties. Also during this time, C.M. continued to rodeo throughout the region. He successfully competed in many of the areas top venues, including Calgary, the Wolf Point Stampede and Cheyenne Frontier Days.
C.M. was a true cowboy. He really loved every aspect of ranching- roping, riding, doctoring cattle, having a crew and knowing the economics of the business. After a hard days work and dinner, he would “do some calling” and “figuring” which meant getting things lined out and going over each and every bill, grass lease and expense. Thinking of which plans would work and what wouldn’t. He always said that it wasn’t what you made, but what you spent. He always felt very blessed that he was able to do what he loved as a career, and encouraged others to do the same.
In addition to ranching, C.M. was a director and an owner of the Miles City Bank which later grew into Stockman Bank of Montana. As the bank grew, C.M. always made sure the bank’s focus remained on the customer. He provided insight into agriculture, the producers and the markets for over 50 years.
C.M. was a fourth generation and lifelong Shriner, over 60 year member of the Miles City Sage Riders Club and, in addition to being inducted into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2012, was inducted into the Montana Pro Rodeo Hall and Wall of Fame in 2008.
C.M. is survived by his wife, Virginia; his son Bill (Vicki) Coffee of Billings; his daughter Caren Coffee of Miles City; and two grandchildren, Colton Michael and Abby Lorene, both attending Montana State University in Bozeman. He is also survived by his brother Walter of Miami, Texas; nephews Charles, Harold, Clay and Clyde Coffee and niece Cindy Wheeler and their families of Texas.
Memorial suggestions to either the Miles City Range Riders Museum, Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame, or the Montana Pro Rodeo Hall and Wall of Fame.
Family will receive friends on Sunday, October 18, 2015 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 19, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Bible Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery with full military honors. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of arrangements.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday October 18, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Monday October 19, 2015
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Monday October 19, 2015
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday October 18, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Monday October 19, 2015
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Monday October 19, 2015
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Emma Morrison says
Virginia, Bill, Caren, and family so sorry to hear of your loss. May God guide you through this difficult time and prayers and hugs to all of you.
Greg and Michelle Johnston says
Miles City and Montana has lost a Legend. Rest In Peace Cowboy.
Linda Hodgson says
Virginia, Caren, Bill & family, so sorry for your loss. He was a great man & I agree with Greg & Michelle, Miles City has lost a legendary cowboy, RIP C.M.
Freddie Soennichsen says
Sorry for your loss, we have lost a great friend and legend. Rest in peace CM
Shirley Rolf says
Virginia, Caren, Bill and families, sorry for the loss of C M. I have known him for years and enjoyed his company.
Bill Petro says
What a great man and role model. Sorry for your loss Virgina, Bill, and Carin. C.M. Is back in saddle again in Heaven.
Dan and Peg Barkemeyer says
Our thoughts are certainly with you all during this time. We may have lost C.M. but we will always have the memories. Sincerely, Dan&Peg
Mary Gearhart Hurr says
I am so sorry for your loss! I have such fond memories of C.M. coming to the ranch and him, Dad (Bill Gearhart) and my cousin, Bill Allen having such great conversations as I sat in the back listening to them and loving to hear them visit. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom and Julie Nordstrom says
Prayers to Virginia, Bill, Caren and Family! C.M. was the BEST as bosses go! We enjoyed doing the “work” for him and he always trusted us to do it right by letting us do it on our own. He will truly be missed by sooo many!
Del Linda Frost and Barry Rakes says
Dear Virginia, Caren and Family, We enjoyed listening to C.M.’s stories. He was a true cowboy. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Jackie and Joe Zawada says
We are so fortunate to have known C.M. and we have fond memories of our trips and events that we shared with the Coffee family over the past 40+ years, We will miss him!
Richard & Linda Meidinger says
Sorry to hear my friend CM is gone. I will never forget hauling cake out to all of his ranches and shoveling snow to get in. He was always where ever I would go with a load.
He was always a joy to be around. May your special memories help you through this difficult time. May CM rest in peace. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Coffee Family,
Your in our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. What memories you have to share at this difficult time. What a legacy he has left you all. God bless.
Bob Phalen says
It’s hard to know where to start about CM, he was a very nice man and would always speak to you. I remember when I and Larry were 6 and 7 there abouts and we went to a branding with Dad and CM was roping, he was the first person Larry and I ever saw rope Left handed and we were in awe. Anyway may Gods peace be on you with the lose of a good man. May God bless you all!!
Arn, Connie, Joel Huseby says
Sure sorry about the passing of your beloved CM.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Arn, Connie, Joel Huseby
Beverly Meged says
Dear Virginia, Caren, Bill & Family,
You will always have great memories of CM, he was such a special person.
I so glad I got to see CM at the Bucking Horse Sale in May, glad he had a good summer Virginia.
I know, Caren, your Dad, will always ride beside you at the ranch.
Your friend, Beverly
Joe and Bev Murnion says
Our deepest sympathy to all So sorry for your loss
Ally Capps says
Virginia and Caren, my deepest sympathy to all of you.
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Brenda Michael says
i am so sorry we knew it was coming but it really hurts. I love all of you and have cherished our many years of friendship.
Lonnie Schmidt says
Virginia,Bill and Caren, my brothers,Tim and Terry and my nephews Timmy and Ben and myself are so sorry to hear the news of CM. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Hope you all are ok. Once again sorry for your loss. Sincerely the Schmidts, Butte Montana. Lonnie Schmidt
Bobbi Anner-Hughes and Ed Hughes says
Hey Bill and Vicki – so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. If we can do anything let us know.
Kari Dorvall Matlick says
To the Coffee Family: So sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers go out to you during this difficult time. Montana and Texas have lost a true pioneer and he definitely put his “brand” on the area and left a mark in the history books.
Donald & Betty Lou Weeding says
Such a wonderful obituary for a great cowboy! Donald always enjoyed visiting with him and listening to his stories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Dennis and Chris Young says
We are so sorry for your loss. C.M. Always knew you, and called you by your name,
Now matter what your stature in life was.
Dennis and chris young
Scott & Dee Walker says
Mother C, BIlly, Caren, and family. I am truly, so very sorry for your loss. I remember talking with CM on many occasions and he always said the right thing in the fewest words possible. A talent lost on many today. And it didn’t matter if it was advice, wisdom, or just a good story. A true gentleman, businessman, cowboy, Dad. Farewell CM, go to the front of the line.
Julie LaBree Stephens says
What a life! And how lucky I am to have known C.M. Our hearts go out to you as you continue to carry on without him. I know I speak for both Dad and Quade when I say we loved working with C.M. and he will always be remembered. Rest in peace “MJB”. We will meet you when we take the outside circle.
Frank, Julie, and McQuade
Cheryl K Stevenson says
So sorry an lots of prayers to the family an friends. My father was Hugh Stevenson who worked on the he Nefsy Ranch north of Terry Mt from 1970-1975. C.M. was always making sure everything was working well. Prayers to all.
Joyce Reeves says
Sorry for your loss, C.M. was a great friend of Quincy, Bruce and Tom Reeves, they are gone too. Thinking of you.
Brian and Jill Brown family says
We are so truly sorry for the loss of C.M. What good fortune that your family was one of the first to become true friends when we relocated to Montana. C.M. is truly the hardest working person I have personally known. I have always envied his passion for his life’s work. He was always the true gentleman and Rachel and I, especially, will miss his story telling. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Debra Moore says
We are certainly thinking of you all and pray for comfort during this time.
Karen & Jeff Peterson says
I met CM once and realized what an amazing person he was at Vicki and Bill’s wedding. After reading his obituary, I realized his son and grand children, Colton and Abby, have the same strong values and work ethic . Most importantly, they know the value of people and that people matter. CM will be missed!
Chris and Diana Elwood says
Chris and I are so sorry for your loss, CM was one of the nicest men we have ever been blessed to know. Please know that all the family will be in our thoughts and prayers. We lost another great cowboy, and wonderful man.
Bus Morris says
My condolences to the family of C.M. Coffee. I worked for L.P. Anderson Contractor for 45 years beginning in Miles City in 1959, moving to Glendive in 1982. I frequently saw him in Miles City as we used the Stockman Bank, but had not seen him since we moved to Glendive. His business knowledge was very unquestionable and he always treated me as an equal even though I was down on our list of people in authority. I had the utmost respect for him. He will certainly be missed.
Bus Morris
Glendive
Jill and Ray Stenberg says
We were so sorry to hear about C.M. Our thoughts and prayers are being sent to you Virginia, Bill, Caren and family.
R. Snyder says
Many years ago north of Sumatra and Ingomar, C.M. from time to time would muster a few ranch kids to help move and work sheep & cattle. I for one learned his values of hard work, his ” cowboyin” skills, but much more than that, his love of ranching and the prairies. He was a segregate father to many young men from Rosebud County. Please accept our thoughts and prayers. He was loved by many and will be missed all..
Wyatt Glade says
Dear Virginia, Caren and family, I am sorry to hear of CM’s passing. I had a tremendous amount of respect for him. Though none of my family can attend the services, we will be thinking of CM when we ship calves in South Dakota!
Albert (Abbie) and Joan Thorne says
We are sad to hear of CM’s passing and we send our prayers and sympathy to his dear family and friends. CM was a one in a million and his life here on earth is a better place because of him and real Cowboys like him. I met CM in the early 70’s on the Nefsy Ranch cooking for a crew setting up iirigation. In 1996 I remarried and moved to OK. We figured out then, we knew the same C M Coffee. My husband, Albert (Abbie) was nicknamed after Abbey Coffee, CM’s mother . She was his grandmothers best friend in Texas. Small world when the dots all connect. Men like CM are Cowboys, you don’t forget when you meet them.. God Bless and Happy Trails C. M.
Donna Ion says
Viginia, Caren and family
From Texas to Montana and points beyond, this country lost not only a great cowboy but also a true gentleman. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Curtis and Kate Terrett says
Our sincere sympathy and prayers for your family . Happy Trails CM
Lynn Holland says
Virginia, Caren and family,
Another Gentleman,Cowboy and Legend has left us. You will not be forgotten.
Rest easy cowboy.
Deb Bartholomew says
Virginia, Caren and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of CM’s passing. God has taken another Cowboy Angel. Always remember “When a Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. CM will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. Treasure his memories and all his stories as he will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kim and Rick Miske says
Bill and families, we are sorry for your loss. Your father was a great man and will be missed. May the Good Lord bring you comfort and peace. It is so hard to lose a parent. God Bless.
Jacki Fayram (Balsam, Oe) says
Fond memories of C.M. at the Sage Riders… what a gentle soul.. Deepest sympathy ..
Jacki Fayram (Balsam, Oe) says
Fond memories of C.M. at the Sage Riders… what a gentle soul..
Deepest sympathy ..
Jacki Fayram (Balsam, Oe)
Roger Jacobs says
Virginia, Caren and Bill, so sorry for your loss. I’ll miss seeing C.M. at ring side of the many bull sales he attended and will always remember the many great visits we had at past sales, he was a great man and a role model model for many.
Todd Devlin / Prairie County says
Personally and as a Prairie County Commissioner, we are sorry for your loss. C.M. was always highly respected by me and Prairie County. None worked harder. His examples by action will apart of our community for years to come. You all take care and have peace.
Cimmaron says
One of the few outfits I ever road for in that country I much cared for.
Lee N Hall Jr says
I was walking across the US. He hired me, worked on a few of his ranches, about 30 yrs ago. Asked his daughter for a date, she said no. When I left, to continue my walk, he tried shorting me on pay.