Randy Eugene Coghlan

Randy Eugene Coghlan, 63, was called home by his Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 7, 2014. He died in his home in Kosciusko, MS. The visitation and the funeral will be held at the First Baptist Church in Kosciusko, MS. Visitation will be on Thursday, June 12, 2014, at 9:00 am. Funeral services will follow visitation at 11:00 am. Jordan funeral home is in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers are as follows: Craig Coghlan, Eric Coghlan, Kailey Burroughs, Alan Rutherford, Rev. John Ballard, Larry Rea, Dirk Thayer, and Bill Allen. Honorary pallbearers are as follows: Datwin Dabbs, Jason Frisby, Adam Frisby, Jeromy Allen, Wayne Allen, Jeremy Bruce, Mike Nance, Gary Nance, Bobby Frisby, Pete Bruce, Mark Nance, Steve Flowers, Perry Flowers, and David Flowers. Randy was born on July 30, 1950, in Ellisville, MS, to Marvin and Elner (Agent) Coghlan. He grew up in Kosciusko, MS, and graduated from Kosciusko High School in 1968. Shortly after graduation, Randy joined the US Navy, where he served as a communications and Morse code specialist. As a serviceman in the Navy, he served in the Vietnam War. After his service in the armed forces, Randy attended Jones County Community College where he earned a degree in Horology (watch making). Randy married his wife, Patricia (Allen) in 1974, and they moved to Santa Monica, CA. There, Randy attended the Gemological Institute of America and earned a GG (Graduate Gemologist) degree. In California, Randy and Pat had their first son, Craig Coghlan. After graduating with his degree, Randy worked as jewelry arts instructor at the college for three years before moving back to his hometown of Kosciusko. In 1980, Randy and Patricia bought the family business and took over Coghlan Jewelers. In 1983, Patricia gave birth to their second son, Eric Coghlan. Those who knew Randy best describe him as a lover of the Lord—always singing and continuously praising Jesus. As such, Randy blessed countless people through the ministries in which he served. A member of the First Baptist Church in Kosciusko, MS, Randy served in his church prison ministry and the church Love mission. In addition, he participated in prison ministries through the Kairos organization. He was also active in the Gideon ministry, and the North Mississippi Emmaus Community. He often served as the musician for the local Emmaus ministry. His most recent heart ministry involved the VA (Veteran's Association) Nursing Home. On Sunday morning, Randy witnessed to the nursing home, and he also spoke as a layperson at many churches in Mississippi. Each day, Randy thanked God for his family. He is survived by his wife Patricia, and their two sons, Anthony Craig Coghlan (Kimberly) and Eric Stuart Coghlan (Samantha), his mother Elner Coghlan, and his sister, Marianne Coghlan. Also known as Paw-paw, Randy was a proud grandfather to Ozzy Neslon Coghlan (6) and Cash Marvin Coghlan (3). He is preceded in death by his father, Marvin Coghlan. It's difficult to summarize Randy's legacy, as he impacted the world in so many ways. A dedicated family man, he encompassed his family in unconditional love. As a business owner, Randy was an expert jeweler. Above all, Randy will be remembered for his passion for allowing God to work through him to help people. Though we'll miss his cheery demeanor, his endless humming, and his contagious laughter, we take comfort knowing that he is basking in the presence of our Lord and Savior. Memorials can be made to the Kairos Prison Ministry or the following ministries of First Baptist Church in Kosciusko, MS: Love Mission, VA Veterans' home ministry, and jail ministry.