M. Earl Cofield Portsmouth, Virginia Obituary

M. Earl Cofield

PORTSMOUTH Mahlon Earl Cofield, 78, passed away November 29, 2015 at his home in Churchland after a long battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his parents, Hubert and Inez Bratton. Born in Tarboro, NC, February 19, 1937, Earl spent most of his life in Portsmouth. He was a 1955 graduate of Cradock High School. After leaving Cradock, he served two enlistments in the US Marine Corps in the 2nd and 3rd divisions, serving a full year in Okinawa. He earned several Sharpshooter Medals during his service. Upon his return from Okinawa Earl went to work in the Apprentice School at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, graduating in 1966. He then went to the welding shop where he worked his way up to the top civilian job as Superintendent which he held for 10 years until his retirement after 35 years of service. He was a member of the Naval Civilian Manager Association, National Superintendents Association and Upper Manager Association. Earl was a member of Churchland Baptist Church, the Great Bridge Masonic Lodge #257 AF AM, and Port Norfolk Royal Arch Chapter. Earl is survived by his loving wife, Charlotte Jones Cofield; a brother, Ronald and wife Donna; and four children, Melinda Corbett (Jimmy), Dana Abdella (Tim), Jay Cofield and Rusty Lupton; three grandsons, Timothy, Matthew and Jamey; many cousins; and a special aunt, Grace in Tarboro. He had two special lifetime friends, Chuck Edwards and Steve Spindel and his little dachshund, Matti. A funeral service will be held at 10 AM Thursday, December 3, 2015 at Churchland Baptist Church with Rev. Larry Coleman officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Refreshments will follow the burial in the Fellowship Hall at Churchland Baptist. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, Wednesday from 5 - 7 PM. Memorial donations may be made to Churchland Baptist Church, 3031 Churchland Blvd., Chesapeake 23321. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com
February 19, 1937 - November 29, 201502/19/193711/29/2015
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M. Earl Cofield
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L
LeRoy Reynolds
January 1, 2011
Fond memories of Earl from school and the "DRUM LINE" which we were members. He was the best!
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Polly La Bar
January 1, 2011
My heart is heavy, Melinda and Jay, I hope that you feel some comfort in the fact that he is not suffering anymore.
Earl let me stay with my sister Rose and him all one summer when I was about 13 yrs, old. I had nothing but respect for him.
When I left home after gra... Continue Reading
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Walt Amory
January 1, 2011
I first met Earl when I transferred to the shipyard as an Apprentice welder. We worked together many times on nuclear and non-nuclear projects, but especially in the gas welding shop. We were both promoted to the Foreman Welder position on the same day and we were assi... Continue Reading
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john dyer
January 1, 2011
This guy had 'character' written all over him: Honesty. Loyalty. Integrity. I didn't know him long but he was as solid as they come. It was a compliment to be his friend.
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Bernie Kirsch
January 1, 2011
I have fond memories of Earl from our days at Cradock High School, playing in the band more than sixty years ago.

His rise to success in the shipyard makes me proud to have known him.

My thoughts are with Charlotte and the Cofield family as they endure the grief th... Continue Reading
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Ted Spivey
January 1, 2011
I worked with and for Earl for many years. He never forgot the bad things that I did and he never let me forget them. He was the best gas welder the yard ever had and I had a good time working with and for him. Never a dull moment. I sold him a motorcycle for Rose and he... Continue Reading
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