Leslie Stafford (Les) Coggins, 76, died March 16, 2023 in Limerick, Ireland while vacationing with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law.

Les was born Aug. 9, 1946, in Miami. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 1968 from the University of Miami where he was honored as an outstanding ROTC graduate. In 1984, he went on to earn an M.B.A. from the University of Oklahoma, Price School of Business.

Les was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force in 1968, serving as an engineering officer on active duty until 1972 and as a Reserve Officer from 1972-1998, retiring as a Colonel. Among his many decorations and honors, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Always eager to honor fellow service members, he took great pride in participating in the Volusia Honor Air Trip to Washington, D.C., escorting World War II veterans to the World War II Memorial.

An active member of the Deland business community, he founded Florida Electric Works and Stafford Technology. He was also a committed member of numerous local organizations, including the Rotary Club of DeLand, the DeLand Citizen's Police Academy, the Downtown DeLand Development Committee, and the DeLand Jaycees as a former president.

Les loved traveling with his wife, Cathie, serving on mission teams to Brazil, enjoying nature, ministering to young married adults, and cheering on the FSU Seminoles and the Miami Hurricanes. Before becoming a member of St. Andrew's Chapel, he was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, Daytona Beach, where he served as a deacon and Director of Young Adult Ministries. He was a devout Christian and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He left a lasting impact on the lives of many and he will be deeply missed by all.

Les is survived by his wife of 55 years, Catherine Jarrard Coggins; son Lonnie S. Coggins (Kayla) of Charlotte, North Carolina; daughter Leslie C. Coggins (Jim Huntoon) of DeLand; brothers Jim Coggins (Dianne) of Aurora, Colorado, and Ron Coggins of Winter Park; sister Paula O'Quinn of St. Cloud; and grandchildren Emily Singeisen (Scott), Chase Waller (Sammie), Ali Waller, Madeline Coggins, Olivia Coggins, Landon Coggins and Lilah Coggins. Other loved ones whom Les cherished included numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws, the Braun Family, Jennifer Warner, and Zoe and Piper Singeisen.

Les was preceded in death by his sister, Debbie Coggins; his father, Louie S. Coggins; his mother, Margaret Coggins; and his brother-in-law, David O'Quinn.

A memorial service will be held Monday, April 3rd, 11:00 am at St. Andrew's Chapel. A reception and time of personal reflection will follow the service. For those unable to attend the reception, Cathie will be greeting visitors from 10:00-10:45 before the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Andrew's Chapel Deacon Fund, 5525 Wayside Drive, Sanford, FL 32771, or to the Les & Cathie Coggins Family Scholarship, c/o Palm Beach Atlantic University Development Office, P.O. Box 24708, West Palm Beach, FL 33416-9893. Make checks out to PBAU and indicate the scholarship name on the memo line of your check.