Robert Reid Coffman, of 1067 Coffman Road, Marietta, passed from this life, at 12:04 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at peace in the same farmhouse he was born in 71 years ago. Robert was born on September 15, 1937 to Clemens D. and Mary Reid Coffman. A gentle man known for his endurance, strength and PATIENCE, Robert operated Coffman Farms, Inc. with his sons and help from his brothers. He graduated from Marietta High School in 1954 being very active in FFA and 4-H. He served Warren Township for 24 years as a trustee and was a member of the Ohio Township Association. He was a life long member of Tunnel United Methodist Church, serving on many committees including pastor-parish relations, trustees, administrative council president for many years, Sunday school superintendent, and volunteered many hours building the new church. Robert was on the Board of Directors of Washington County Landmark for many years. His life was his family and his farm. He was a sixth generation Coffman to work the farm which was recognized in 1995 as a regional winner in the Ohio Outstanding Century Farms and also won the Goodyear Award for good stewardship. The farm was also recognized by the Chamber of Commerce as an agricultural award winner. Robert worked hard, but found some time to pull tractors and play softball. He married Sherry Bauer on November 28, 1965. She survives with his four children who chose agriculture as their life work also, David, Nancy, Allen (Deborah) and Michael (Heather). He is also survived by his pride and joys, Zachary, Brittany, Jacob, Alexis, Katlyn, Seth, Faith, Garett and Reid. Also, a sister, Dr. Ruth Coffman Garrett, brothers, Ralph (Dorothy), Hugh (Betty) Coffman and some very special nephews survive. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter, Susan. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2009 at Tunnel United Methodist Church, with Dr. Lloyd Dennis officiating. Burial will follow in Tunnel Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and all day on Thursday, where the family will be present from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Marietta Chapel of Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday. All who know Robert would know he would think flowers would be unnecessary, so please donate to Tunnel-Warren Relay For Life Team or to Western Washington County Food Pantry. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and addresses can be found on the funeral home's website. The family would like to thank Dr. Cawley and her special Strecker Gals, Dr. Lloyd Dennis, physician and friend, and Washington County Hospice.
