Elmer Cohee

Elmer Laroy "Shorty" Cohee



Elmer Laroy "Shorty" Cohee, 85, passed away March 5, 2019 at the Neodesha Care and Rehab in Neodesha, Kansas. Following Shorty's wishes, cremation has taken place under the direction of Loran Fawcett Chapel.

Shorty was born at the farm of his grandparents, Frank and Stella Kebert on February 26, 1934. He spent most of his growing up years hunting and fishing on that farm between Neodesha and Fredonia. Those were the happiest years of his life.

His parents were, Marjorie Cleo and Charles L. Cohee Sr. He was the oldest of 8 boys. His brothers were Ronald, Charles Jr., Tony, Franklin, Sam, Dan and Steve.

Shorty attended Steele grade school through the 8th grade, then graduated from Neodesha High School. He joined the United States Marine Corp and was honorably discharged in 1957. Being a Marine was the proudest accomplishment of his life. He was also a member of the Kansas Army National Guard from 1975 until 1987. With the exception of just a few years, he lived and worked in the Neodesha area for his entire life. He did construction work for several years, helping to build highways and interstates, the "Big Ditch" in Wichita, and Big Hill Lake in Cherryvale. He worked for many years at IMCO/Southeast in Neodesha, then for Stoutco in Independence until he retired at the age of 72.

He married Cleda Reed in 1956, and later divorced in 1977. Together, they raised 3 daughters; Toni Meyers, Tammy Meigs, and Twilla Boring. Shorty enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family, which besides his brothers included his son in-laws, Mike Myers, Bob Meigs, and Ed Boring. He also had 8 grandchildren; Echo (Dunn) Syvongsay, Steven and Shelby Meyers, Hailey Kahn, Michael and Brandon Meigs, and Alan and Tammi Boring. His great grandchildren, London and Jena Syvongsay, RJ Cefarelli, Elijah Kahn, Mija Kheley, Erma Meigs, Maisyn, Brekkyn, and Kowyn Meigs, Lenzie and Hayden Boring, and TJ and Taryn Vaughn. There are also 3 great-great grandchildren plus one on the way.

A celebration of Shorty's life will be held at Loran Fawcett Chapel in Neodesha on Saturday, March 16th at 11:00 am. Casual dress is encouraged. To leave the family a special message of condolence, please visit www.loranfawcettfuneralhome.com.

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