Retired Covenant pastor David Lee Coryell died December 6 in Duffield, Virginia. He was 81.

He was born on October 12, 1940, to Lee and Evelyn (Penfield) Coryell in Lansing, Michigan. David earned a degree in law enforcement from Michigan State University and a ministry degree from Briercrest Bible Institute in Carenport, Saskatchewan. He was ordained in a Baptist church. He attended North Park Seminary and transferred his ordination to the Evangelical Covenant Church in 1976. He was also a veteran of the Marine Corps.  

He married Jan Goff on July 25, 1987. They have four children. 

David served as a senior pastor for many churches over 55 years of ministry—in Poplar, Wisconsin (Mission); Maple, Wisconsin (Cloverland); Warburg, Alberta; Breton, Alberta (Breton Covenant); Alder Flats, Alberta; Durban, Manitoba (Valley); Villa Park, Illinois; Miami, Florida (Palmetto); and Florissant, Missouri (Christ). He was serving as pastor of Wallens Creek Covenant Church in Stickleyville, Virginia, at the time of his death. He also served as a volunteer chaplain in the federal prison system and the Lee County Sheriff’s Department.  

He was an avid sports fan and especially loved watching all the Michigan sports teams. He also enjoyed traveling, reading, and making people laugh.  

David is survived by his wife, Jan, and children Colette Ogren, Anita Klobucher (Keith), Heather Buggaller, and Darren Coryell (Lisa); five grandchildren, four sisters, six great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his dog Tebow. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Dallas.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wallens Creek Covenant Church (1025 Rhea Rasnic Road, Duffield, VA 24244).  

Peace be to his memory. 

 

CONTINUE READING

Explore More Stories & News

Arts & Culture

Pearls, Arrows, and Grace

Amy Muia’s A Desert Between Two Seas traces the ripple of one boy’s drowning across generations of afflicted, often violent characters in post-mission Baja California.

Commentary

A Burglary and a Lesson in Love

A burglary tested Mike Guerrero’s habit of helping strangers in need—but didn’t stop him from loving them.

News

Gather 2026: The Work of One Another

Last week, delegates gathered to mark fifty years of ordaining women, share stories of God’s faithfulness, welcome new churches, and ordain and commission new ministers.

News

Christine Cikanek Honored for Outstanding Lay Ministry

Christine “Chris” Cikanek of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Princeton, Illinois, received the Theodore W. Anderson Award for outstanding lay ministry at the 141st Annual Meeting.

Features

Fifty Years After Yes

Fifty years after ordaining women, the Covenant Church is still learning to make room for the gifts it has already affirmed.