Paul Richard Coen

Paul Richard Coen, age 90 of Canton, passed away April 27, 2014 . Born in Waltham, MA on October 11, 1923 to parents William & Pauline Coen. Attended St. Charles Borromeo School in Waltham, MA and later from Johnson & Wales University , Providence, RI with a BA in Business Administration, and in marketing, cum laude. Entered U.S. Army in January 1943 and honorably discharged October 1945. Served with the 115 Regiment of 29th Infantry Division as a combat medic. Participated in the June 6, 1944 invasion on Omaha Beach, Normandy, France. On June 12, 1944, Paul was captured by the German Army and would become a prisoner of war for over eleven months until he heroically escaped in 1945. Paul was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for D-Day invasion and a second bronze star for his heroism in the battle on June 12, 1944, the day of his capture. Recipient of the Republic of France Legion of Honor for outstanding military service. Paul re-entered the United States Air Force in November of 1951. A proud member of the 474th Fighter Bomber Group in Korea. He later served in Vietnam 1965 as a Military advisor to the Republic of South Vietnam. In December of 1969 Paul retired from the United Air Force as a Senior Master Sergeant. After his retirement from the military, Paul pursued his career in marketing and sales, and was Director of International Marketing for the industrial division of Kerr Manufacturing in Romulus, MI. In 1995 Paul would retire from Kerr Manufacturing and begin his new career as a consultant to manufacturers in North America and Europe until his retirement in 2003. Paul is survived by his loving wife Lena. Beloved father of Paula (Robert) Dwyer and Paul Richard Coen. Proud grandfather of Allan Dwyer, Scott Dwyer, Jodi Dwyer and Timothy (Jennifer) Dwyer. Great grandfather of Peyton and Ella Dwyer. Funeral service Saturday, May 3, 2014 at St. Matthew Catholic Church 6021 Whittier, Detroit . Mr. Coen will lie in state beginning at 10:30am followed by Fr. Duane R. Novelly celebrating his funeral mass at 11:00am. Friends may visit the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home 280 South Main St., Plymouth on Friday from 2:00pm-9:00pm with a Scripture Service at 7:00pm. Mr. Coen will be buried and receive full military honors at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI on Monday, May 5, 2014 at 11:30am. Memorials may be made to St. Matthew Catholic Church or Ex- Pow Group VA Hospital- Attn: Volunteer Services 2215 Fuller Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.