Michael "Poppee" Dennis Coyle Sr.

Michael “Poppee” Dennis Coyle Sr., 79, of Jeffersonville, IN, passed away on April 3. 2023 surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, April, 12, 2023 at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 315 E. Chestnut St, Jeffersonville, IN, with entombment to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 12 PM to 8 PM on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Scott Funeral Home, 2515 Veterans Parkway, Jeffersonville, IN. 

The family invites everyone to attend a “celebration of life” after the graveside services on Wednesday from 2 to 6 PM at the Refinery South, 450 Missouri Avenue, Jeffersonville, IN 47130.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Dorothy Coyle; sister, Catherine; and brother, Pat.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Marianne (McCurdy) Coyle; children, Michael Coyle Jr. (Mari), and Christopher Coyle (Jan); brother, Walter “Walt” Coyle of Bayne City, MI; and grandchildren, Michael Coyle III, Molly Coyle, Shelby Gray Tate (Jason) and Ganon Gray.

Mike lived life to the fullest…

He was a hard worker, acquiring land in downtown New Albany and transitioning New Albany Motor Co. into Coyle Chevrolet and becoming one of the youngest Chevrolet dealers in the nation in 1973. Mike made the decision to purchase undeveloped land in 1995, with that land serving as an anchor to one of the first businesses in the Veterans Parkway corridor in Clarksville, which is known today as Coyle Chevrolet-Buick-GMC.

Mike’s decision in 1999 to install a 150’ flag pole with three stadium lights for display at night has become a landmark in Southern Indiana. Mike enjoyed training younger people in all aspects of the car business. As a mentor to these associates and employees, some spent years working for the organization, and some went on to become managers and owners elsewhere. Mike was involved in many businesses over the years, with franchises and real estate just to mention a few. Mike remained active even after his semi-retirement in 2005. As Chairman of the family’s real estate company, Mike continued to offer guidance to sons, Mike Jr. and Chris, and spent countless hours running the green machine (street sweeper).        

Mike had many friends and never met a stranger. Mike could make a friend for a day or a friend for a lifetime. He shared his passion for hunting and fishing with his friends, sons and grandkids. Early into his semi-retirement, Mike mastered deep sea fishing and took numerous day-long deep sea fishing trips with new and old friends from Southern Indiana. He enjoyed Spring Breaks with his sons and their families and planning activities, including fishing trips and McDonald’s breakfast for everyone.

He and wife, Marianne, were married for 56 years and traveled to some incredible places and shared the same passions. Boating was their happy place…Marianne was the ultimate first mate and helped Mike moor and operate over 60 boats throughout their lifetime together. Mike made several trips from Louisville to Ft. Myers and back over the years and eventually Mike and Marianne lived on a boat in Southwest Florida and traveled to many different ports of call. Mike’s favorite place was behind the wheel of any boat, some considered a captain without a license.

Mike was something special to so many: a loving husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, uncle, great-uncle, business partner and mentor, and a friend to all. Mike always gave back to his community.  Some of Mike’s and his family’s community support include charitable donations, sponsorships, and fundraising, with some recognized and some not. Mike always appreciated the recognition, but never asked for it.

As Mike’s health declined, fishing trips slowed into lunch gatherings and board meetings with Florida and Southern Indiana friends alike. Mike kept things stirred up and nobody was safe from his antics at these gatherings.

Mike and his family’s faith in God will help us in saying goodbye to a man that meant so much to us all. 

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Augustine Catholic Church or St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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