Henry Coffman

Henry R. Coffman was born December 9, 1934 in Lentner, Missouri. He was the second son of three children born to George Coffman and Sarah Frances Coffman. He attended and graduated from Shelbina High School. Henry attended the University of Missouri. After a year, he enlisted in the US Air Force.  He served in Japan in supply chain.  After serving four years, he longed to return to the USA and to finish school.  After being honorably discharged, he enrolled at Mizzou, where he majored in Accounting. Upon graduation, he moved to Kansas City and after a short time, got a job at General Motors at the Fairfax plant. He rose to the rank of Paymaster and would retire from GM. Henry met Nancy Myers through a bible study in Kansas City, Kansas. The couple wed and had two children, Myra and Phillip. Nancy passed away in 1983, suddenly and unexpectedly.  

Several years later, Henry met Meribelle (Meri) Jones Porter. They met at a bible fellowship. They married in 1985 and several years later moved to Lakeland, Florida, where Henry’s elder brother and family lived. Henry and Meri were active in church, and both loved to travel. They journeyed twice to the Feast of the Tabernacles in Israel where Meri played the clarinet in the orchestra and Henry helped to build sets. They also went on missionary trips to South America. Henry was always looking to give people second chances. He employed homeless persons through Lighthouse Ministries to help with home rehab work.

He loved family trips and outings, fishing, and going to family, class and GM Retiree reunions. Henry experienced a stroke in 2022. Despite aphasia, and having to go into an assisted living facility, he was still physically active.  

Henry went to his heavenly home on April 10, 2024 after complications due to a fall.  He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy; brother, George; and daughter, Myra. He left behind his wife, Meri; brother, Ray; son, Phillip; stepchildren, Ted, Chris, Ginger and Beth; 16 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren. Flowers or a donation to Lighthouse Ministries https://www.lighthousemin.org/financial-gifts are welcome.