Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

December 2, 2008 11:51:00 AM CST

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

One of Last Remaining US WWI Vets Dies

Posted Dec 22, 07 6:13 AM CST in US 

(Newser) – The oldest-known American World War I veteran—one of only three remaining—has died at age 109, the Toledo Blade reports. J. Russell Coffey, who enlisted in the Army a month before the war ended, was never comfortable with that recognition because he never saw combat. He preferred to be remembered for his accomplishments as a student, an athlete and a longtime educator.

The former Bowling Green State University professor died yesterday of heart failure at a nursing home in Ohio. He drove a car until age 103 and credited physical activity and a healthy diet for his longevity. Frank Buckles, 106, of West Virginia, and Harry Richard Landis, 108, of Florida, are the two remaining US WWI veterans.

Sources Toledo Blade, Associated Press

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon
J. Russell Coffey, one of three oldest living World War I veterans known in the U.S., rests while sitting in a wheelchair during an interview at Blakely Care Center in North Baltimore, Ohio, Friday, April...   (Associated Press)
In this April 13, 2007 file photo, J. Russell Coffey, 108, one of three oldest living World War I veterans known in the U.S., talks to a reporter at Blakely Care Center in North Baltimore, Ohio. Coffey,...   (Associated Press)
In this April 13, 2007 file photo, J. Russell Coffey, 108, one of three oldest living World War I veterans known in the U.S., talks to a reporter at Blakely Care Center in North Baltimore, Ohio. Coffey,...   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Related links

Threads (
1
 of 2)

Tags

US Army • nursing homes • World War I • oldest man


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other US Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser a team of editors and writers culls the most important stories from hundreds of U.S. and international sources and reduces them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. It's the Newser guarantee: we can take any report or column or video and pack what you need to know into 120 words or less. Newser's short-form aggregation, visual format, and unique information tools help you get more of the kind of news you want, in a quicker and more entertaining way. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »