Mesa football Assistant Coach Sam Coe Jr. died on Nov. 28 while at home. Coe was battling a brain tumor and several strokes. He was 59.

Coe was born on April 13, 1949 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Doris and Sam Coe Sr. Coe and family moved to San Diego in 1956 where he grew up with his brother Bill.

Coe graduated from Castle Park High School and then went on to attend Southwestern College and San Diego State University. He coached at several high schools and also Southwestern College.

In 2007, Coe joined the Mesa coaching staff and coached one season before being forced to miss extended time due to reoccurring health concerns.

Coe’s loss will be felt for upcoming seasons to come at Mesa.

“Sam Coe was a very important part of the Mesa Football Family,” expressed defensive coordinator Henry Browne. “Although Coach Coe served as Offensive Coordinator for only one season, his influences live on in the program. Coach Coe was an incredibly caring person and his coaching style touched many lives. We will miss Sam Coe.”

Coe is survived by his wife Kathy Coe, along with his children Michelle and Jeff.

A memorial service was held for Coe on Dec. 7 at Glen Abbey Mortuary in Bonita.

The Mesa College Athletic Department will make a $300 donation to the Sam Coe Football Scholarship Fund.