Clyde Coffman

Clyde Junior Coffman of Potosi, Missouri departed this life on August 2, 2009 at the Potosi Manor Nursing Home having reached the age of eighty four years, eight months and eleven days. He was born on November 22, 1924 at Potosi, Missouri a son to the late Clyde B. Coffman and Margaret (Litton) Coffman.

After Clyde graduated from High School, he was drafted into the United States Navy. He spent three and one half years on the USS Champion, a minesweeper. When he returned to the States, he was sent to Great Lakes, IL and was given several ribbons and honors before being discharged. The war was declared over, several days after he came home.

On November 29, 1945, Clyde was united in marriage to Anna Jean Cain and there were three children born to this union.

Clyde and Anna Jean served for two and a half years at the Potosi Correctional Center having Bible Study. But after Clyde had heart surgery they were compelled to stop because of the many steps. ?It was the most rewarding thing we ever did?, said Anna Jean.

Clyde was saved and served as a Deacon at Potosi Southern Baptist Church. He was very proud and even when he was sick, he served.

He would be remembered as a very good basketball player with the team called ?The Red Raiders? The people of Potosi supported the team and the gym was filled for each game. He later played basketball with the semi-professional team (Meramec Caverns) in St. Louis. He and his family lived in St. Louis for eighteen months and then decided to come home so they could continue their family and raise them in Potosi.

Clyde partnered with Bill Branaugh and opened a Shell gas station locally. Then later he finished a career at the Meramec Mining Company at Pea Ridge. Clyde also was known for his excellence in welding. He had many farm calls, several jobs at the Washington County Jail, Sonic, he made cart returns at the shopping center and much more work from his home workshop. He will be remembered and missed by many and as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.

Those who remain to mourn the passing of his life are his wife Anna Jean Coffman of Potosi; son Dennis Ray Coffman and wife Bonnie of Troy, Missouri; two daughters Ellen Marie Pashia and husband Ronnie of Potosi; Mary Anna Gibson and husband Dale of Potosi; seven grandchildren Angella Thomlison and husband Ronald of Potosi; Dennis Ray Coffman, Jr. and wife Angie of Bonne Terre; Gina Gipson and husband Zedrick of Troy, Missouri; Justin Pashia of Potosi; Shane Pashia of Potosi; Timothy Pashia of Potosi; Seth Gibson of Potosi; great grandchildren Erin Frye, Ashley Frye, Garrett Coffman, Courtney Coffman, Brayden Gipson, Isaiah Pashia and Kaleb Pashia; many other relatives and friends who will sadly miss him.

Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 11AM at the Potosi Southern Baptist Church with Rev. H. Wayne Isgriggs officiating. Serving as pallbearers were Tim Pashia, Shane Pashia, Justin Pashia, Seth Gibson, Denny Ray Coffman and Angie Thomlison.

Interment and final prayers were held at the New Masonic Cemetery. All arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the DeClue Family Funeral Home.