Lee Earl Coffman, (78) of Plainville, Indiana, passed away on June 24th, 2024.
Lee was born to Floyd & Lorraine Coffman on February 10, 1946, in Freeport, Illinois. During high school Lee showed 4-H pigs from the family farm and played football, basketball, and baseball. At Iowa State University, Lee joined the ROTC. Following college, he proudly served as a 1st Lieutenant in the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army. After his deployment in Vietnam from 1968-1970, he pursued his graduate degree at the University of Illinois. Throughout his life Lee worked in banking, washed coal, owned a trucking company, and managed real estate. Lee believed in giving back to his community and served as a board member for the Plainville Town Board, Daviess County Community Foundation, and Daviess County YMCA Board. He also cherished being a part of the Plainville Christian Church family. Beyond his many accomplishments, Lee’s strongest legacy is his loving family.
Lee was married to his wife Nina for 40 years, and together they enjoyed traveling to new places. Being an avid jogger and biker, Lee jogged in Central Park NYC, climbed the Rocky staircase in Philadelphia, and rode his bike in Zion National Park, Virginia Beach, and Sanibel Island. A voracious sports fan, Lee enjoyed rooting for the North Daviess Cougars, the Indiana Hoosiers, the Indianapolis Colts, and the Chicago Cubs. Though he was an Indiana resident, he also never stopped cheering for the Fighting Illini and the Chicago Bears. His biggest joy in life came from watching his grandchildren play volleyball, run races, and show animals in 4-H. He also loved relaxing with his beloved dog Cubbie.
Surviving family members who cherish memories of Lee include his devoted wife Nina and three daughters he adored: Heather Coffman Meunier (Kyle), Jennifer Coffman Wherley (Nick) and Jennifer Callison Carr (Terry). Five grandchildren who treasured Papa Lee include Lincoln & Sawyer Meunier, Grace & Jackson Wherley, and Jordan Carr (Blake Swan). Lee is also survived by his loving brother Lyle Coffman (Joann) and several doting nieces and nephews as well as mother-in-law Margaret Berry and brothers-in-law Kenny, Dave, (Mendy) & John (Jodi) Berry. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ralph, and sister-in-law Shirley.
Funeral service will be at Meng Funeral Home, 616 E. Elnora St, Odon, Indiana at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 29th. Visitation for family and friends will be on Friday, June 28th from 4:00-8:00 P.M. and 10:00-11:00 A.M. before the service on Saturday.
One of the highlights of Lee’s life was joining in his Honor Flight on a trip to Washington D.C. in April 2023. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Indy Honor Flight in memory of Lee. Donations can be made online www.indyhonorflight.org/donate/ or mailed to Indy Honor Flight, PO Box 10, Plainfield, Indiana 46168.
Arrangements and care were entrusted to Meng Family Funeral Home in Odon, Indiana. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.mengfuneralhome.com.
