Gerald L. Coffman

Gerald L. Coffman, 82, of Thorntown, died Thursday, February 20 at Witham Hospital in Lebanon.  On July 14, 1942 Gerald was born at home in Thorntown to the late Lon and Helen (Herms) Coffman.  After graduating high school in Thorntown, Gerald attended Indiana State University and then business school.  Gerald married Linda Morris on March 31, 1961 in Kentucky, a loving union that lasted over sixty-three years. 

Gerald worked for Chrysler Corporation (where he lost a finger) for 30 years retiring in 1994; he also worked as an insurance agent servicing both Boone and Montgomery county. He coached little league basketball and football for over 20 years; he was so passionate about coaching his wife could often hear him “coaching” two blocks away at their home. Gerald had many interests and was involved in many social clubs and organization including the Thorntown Lions Club having chaired the Chicken Festival for many years until he mistakenly used diesel fuel to "spray" the chicken that one year, Thorntown Masonic Lodge, Murat Shrine, Boone County Shrine Club past president, Eagles Club, Elks Lodge, American Legion Post 113 and toured  American Legion posts in all 92 counties, he never met a stranger. Gerald was especially proud to be a Shriner, he volunteered for many years working the Boone County Shrine Club fish fry which is held every spring and fall to benefit Shriner’s hospitals for kids. He was chairman of the beer cooler at the fish fries and took that responsibility very seriously.

He is survived by his wife; children, Debra Marie (Mike) Summers of Ladoga, Diane Michelle (Mike) Swank of Thorntown and Gary Wayne (Chelsy) Coffman of Crawfordsville; sister, Doris (Larry) Leslie of Thorntown; grandchildren, Max (Christie) Summers, Ashlie (Matt) Hacker, Rebecca (Colby) Judy and, Jessica Swank, Jared Swank, Joshua (Adrienne) Swank, Matthew Haniford, Michael Gill and Jenna Coffman and ten great-grandchildren.

Preceding Gerald in death, brothers Ronnie, Arthur, Dennis and Fred Coffman, great-granddaughter, Sophie Marie Judy. 

Family and friends will gather on Tuesday, February 25 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Larry Truitt officiating in the Strawmyer and Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon. Masonic Rites will start at 1:00 p.m. prior to the funeral service in the mortuary.  Gerald will be laid to rest in the Maple Lawn Cemetery in Thorntown.  Memorial contributions in his memory may be made the Boone County Shrine Club fish fry beer cooler replacement fund, c/o the Boone County Shrine Club, PO BOX 402, Lebanon, Indiana 46052.