Donald Vernon Coers
6/2/1941 - 6/16/2025

Donald Vernon Coers passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on Monday, June 16th. He spent his last moments in the company of friends and family who loved him more than they could possibly express.

Don was born in San Marcos, Texas and raised in Dickinson, Texas, where he graduated from Dickinson High School. He graduated cum laude from The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in English. He was a proud member of the Texas Longhorn Marching Band and played at John F. Kennedy’s Presidential Inauguration. He later earned his master’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a doctorate from Texas A&M. He worked as a professor of English and American Literature and a university administrator at Sam Houston State University, Angelo State University and Sul Ross University.

The author of ‘John Steinbeck as Propagandist: The Moon Is Down Goes to War’ as well as numerous other works, Don was known as an accomplished Steinbeck scholar and editor. His talent with language was matched only by his respect for it. Words came to him naturally in the form of sarcastic jokes, inscrutable puns, and obscure Scrabble plays that delighted him as much as they frustrated his opponents. His grandson, Benjamin, kept a list of the most baffling game-winning words Don used during his lifetime including karroo, naevoid, and expiates, which he played for 170 points a week before his death.

In addition to his scholarship, Don was a gardener, an off-roading enthusiast, a member of the Texas Philosophical Society, and a humanist who advocated for the rights of people everywhere. He protested for Civil Rights and sponsored political refugees. During his tenure as Rotary Club President, he proudly welcomed the first female members into the Huntsville Club. He never wanted credit for these or any other of his innumerable acts of kindness, but was content knowing that he had lived his life by the principles he held dear.

Don proudly traced his ancestry to Edward Burleson, vice president of the Republic of Texas, and to the original “Old Three Hundred” settlers of Texas. Their legacy lived through him, and will live on long after his passing.

Don’s greatest joy was his family. Spending time with them was the highlight of his wonderful life. Don is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Jeanne Coers; daughter, Jeanne Coers Stacy and her husband Philip; son, John Coers and his wife Sonia; grandchildren, Gretchen Stacy MacDonald and her husband Casey, Thomas Stacy, and Benjamin Coers; siblings, Marilyn Purdy, Pat Long, and Bill Coers; nieces and nephews, Kathryn Purdy, Laura Purdy Devis, Suzanne Boll Riley, Scott Long, Kevin Coers, Aaron Coers, and Justin Coers; great-niece, Eva Devis and great-nephew, Simon Devis; and more cousins and friends than can be listed here. His character lives on not only through his family, but through all who knew his kindness and generosity. He is awaited by his parents, Vernon and Beulah; his nephew, Vernon Roy Boll; his brother-in-law, Earl Long; and his beloved pet Shih Tzu, Sadie Mae.

Don’s graveside service will be held at The Garden of Memories Cemetery in Kerrville on Saturday, June 21st at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Texas Center at Schreiner University or the charity of your choice.

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