Walter F. Coles

Walter F. Coles, 87, of West Chester and formerly of Colony Park, Reading, passed away surrounded by his loving family on June 26, 2008 in the VA hospice unit of the Veterans Hospital, Coatesville, PA.

He was the husband of Norma A. (Anderson) Coles.

Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Walter F. and Helen (Adair) Coles.

Walter was graduate of Olney High School, Philadelphia in 1938 and the University of Pennsylvania in 1942 where he earned a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering.

He was owner and operator of H.M. Wilson Co., Philadelphia from 1955-1972. He was also employed by Gilbert Associates from 1972-1982 and served as a consultant for Parsons Corporation between 1992 until retiring in 2000.

Walter received a bronze star while serving in the United States Army during WWII and served as Commander of the Schuylkill River Power Squadron.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Nancy, wife of Richard R. Reinish, with whom he resided; Barbara I., wife of Peter Oberfest, Martha's Vineyard, MA.; three grandchildren, Susan Marks, Wernersville; Barbara Leas, Shillington; William Oberfest, Martha's Vineyard, MA; two great-grandchildren, Alexis Marks and Trevor Marks.

A gathering of family and friends will be Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Ave. West Reading is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Eric Brown Music School Fund 400 Lancaster Ave. Malvern, PA 19355, or Western Berks Ambulance Assoc., 2506 Belmont Ave., West Lawn, PA 19609, or Advocates for Senior Adults (non profit project created by the founders of Sara Care great valley) to benifit seniors in the community, 425 Technology Dr. Malvern, PA19355 Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com