It is with both sorrow and celebration of a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Esther Lucille Fair on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at CRMC in Coffeyville, Kansas.
Born in Coffeyville, Kansas on September 13, 1941, to Howard and Helen (Kallenberger) Coble, Esther was a beacon of compassion, generosity, and inspiration, which illuminated the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.
Esther’s life was a testament to her dedication to education and to her community. She attended Dearing Elementary School, Field Kindley High School, Coffeyville Community College, and later, earned her bachelors degree from Pittsburg State University. Esther's love for learning didn’t stop at her own education; she made it her life's work to inspire young minds. She dedicated over 40 years to teaching, impacting countless lives at Lowell and Whittier Elementary Schools and McKinley Middle School. Her retirement in 2003 marked the end of an era, but her legacy continues to resonate in the hearts of her students. Esther was not just a teacher, but an inspiring figure who instilled the love of learning in those she taught and was a cherished member of the Coffeyville community.
In July of 1962, Esther was united in marriage to Richard Coffey. From this union, two sons were born, Richard and Ronald. The family made their home in Coffeyville. After 25 years of marriage, the couple divorced.
Esther later met and fell in love with Darrel Fair, the couple were wed on February 12, 1993. They made their home in Coffeyville where they spent just a few days shy of 32 wonderful years together.
Beyond her professional achievements, Esther’s personality was defined by her kindness and generosity. Her love for life was evident in her joy of reading and her memorable trips to Branson, Missouri. She treasured her time with her sorority sisters at Delta Rho and Alpha Kappa Delta. Most of all she loved the time she spent surrounded by her family and friends.
Surviving to cherish her memory are her husband, Darrel Fair of the home; sons, Richard (Sandra Hughes) Coffey of Grove, Oklahoma, Ronald (Tina) Coffey of Coffeyville, Kansas; step son, Darin Fair of Fort Worth, Texas; grandchildren, Hilary Elizabeth Coffey, Kilie Bray-Coffey, Ryann (Clayton) Wallace and Austin Coffey; great grandchildren, Cole Mora, Jesslyn Palmer; sisters, Linda Odom of Kingwood, Texas, Barbara Frikken of Ft. Collins, Colorado and Janet Carnes of Independence, Kansas along with numerous extended family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Helen Coble.
Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Westside Christian Church in Coffeyville. Pastor Mike Elrod will officiate. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Coffeyville.
The family suggests memorial contributions can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; these may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home 306 N. Cline Rd. Coffeyville, KS 67337.
To leave a condolence for the family online, visit Esther’s memorial page at www.dwbfh.com
