Coffey, Vernon C., 1894-1991.

Vernon Carson Coffey was born April 18, 1894 in Brinkley, Arkansas to Henry and Ada (Wright) Coffey. He graduated from high school in Newport, Arkansas and attended Shorter College in North Little Rock, Ark. for a year; he earned a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1938 from the University of Omaha. Beginning in 1912, Coffey worked as a train porter for the Missouri Pacific Railroad; from 1917 to 1919 World War I and its aftermath interrupted his work for the railroad. Returning to Kansas City, Kansas, Coffey returned to the railroad until 1960 at which time he became a salesman for the Financial Industrial Fund. In 1948, he unsuccessfully ran for office as State House Representative from the 8th District. Coffey left FIF in 1972, at which time he began work at Waddell & Reed, Inc. where he stayed until his 1979 retirement. He also was a notary, a licensed life insurance agent, and became ordained in 1982, working as an assistant minister at First AME Church in Kansas City, Kansas.

Coffey was greatly involved in union work. He became a general attorney for the Brotherhood of Trainsmen, Brakemen, Porters, Switchmen, Firemen, and Railroad Employees, Inc. Prior to this position he also worked with the American Federation of Labor. Coffey was involved in other organizations, such as the Widow's Son Lodge No. 17 F. & A.M., Phi Beta Sigma, the VFW, and the American Legion, where he served as Commander of the Argonne Post No. 217.

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