Lilburn Warren Coffee, Jr.

This photo is of the 1911 graduating class of Central Ward High School in Big Spring, Howard Co., TX. Not all names were provided. Standing at upper left is Lilburn Warren Coffee, Jr.

The school was built shortly after 1902. Fifteen years later it was replaced by what became Runnels Junior High. The old school stood on the corner of Fourth and Surry in Big Spring, where the Howard County Library now stands.

When Lilburn Warren Coffee, Jr. registered for the draft in 1917 he was described as being of medium height and build with blue eyes and light brown hair. At the time he was employed as a bookkeeper for the West Texas National Bank in Big Spring. He was also unmarried.

After graduating high school, "Lib" continued his education at the Westman Business College in Poughkeepsie, NY. When he left his job at the West Texas Bank he worked for awhile with the Cattle Loan Company before heading off to WW1 where he served with the 90th Div. in Germany. On his return he spent 20 years in the life insurance business. Over the years he served as general solicitor, district manager and vice president of the Texas Association of Life Underwriters.

On April 20, 1920 he married Miss Gladys Opal McNew, a daughter of George Edmund and Fannie Laura Kennedy McNew. Opal was born Jun. 13, 1896 in Bowie, Montague Co., TX and died Jan. 4, 1967 in San Angelo, Tom Greene Co., TX.

In 1941 "Lib" became office manager for a drilling contractor in Lubbock, TX. In 1944 he went into the drilling business for himself and continued until his death in 1948. Opal continued to run the business but finally sold it in 1952.

Only one child was born to "Lib" and Opal: Marjorie Frances, born Sep. 28, 1929, died Mar. 31, 1988. Marjorie married Elmo Eugene Marable on Aug. 16, 1952 at Fort Stockton, Pecos Co., TX. Elmo died there in 1997; Marjorie in 1988.