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Harlan (Doc) Coffman
HARLAN THAYER TROUT (DOC) COFFMAN
Marion
Harlan Thayer Trout (Doc) Coffman, 87, of Marion, died peacefully in the presence of his family on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017, in Marion. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, at Spring Grove Cemetery, Covington, with military honors. Teahen Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family.
Harlan was born July 12, 1930, in Fairfield, Wis., to Carl Coy and Carol Thayer Coffman. Following high school, he entered the Navy in 1948, serving with the 5th Marine Regiment as a corpsman in Korea. He participated in the securing of the Pusan Perimeter and the amphibious landing at Inchon. He was wounded at the Chosin Reservoir and received the Purple Heart. He later cross rated to be an electronics technician and served on fleet ballistic missile submarines for the remainder of his career. He was a plankowner on the USS George Washington (SSBN-598) and the USS Lafayette (SSBN-616). He retired in 1975 off the USS Simon Lake (AS-33) as senior chief electronics technician (ETCS) (SS).
Harlan enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. He attended sports practices and events for his kids during their high school years, becoming the de facto team parent for the Monte Vista High School aquatics programs. He loved to travel across the country in his RV visiting his family. He was a huge NASCAR fan and fervently followed the exploits of his favorite driver, Kyle Busch (No. 18).
Harlan's true love was his wife, Esperanza, and the family they started. His infectious smile, quick wit and heartfelt hugs will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends.
Those left to cherish Harlan's memory include his son, Paul Coffman (GySgt USMC Ret) (Cathy) of Robins; grandchildren, MM1 (SS) Michael Coffman stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; CTR2 (SW) Marie Rogers (Vince) stationed in Bremerton, Wash.; Ashley Mangano from Denver, Colo.; and Island Mangano of Marion; and daughter, Paula Gore (Kelly), Amber Gore (granddaughter) Mandi and Josh Smith (granddaughter and grandson-in-law) Hailey Smith, Paige Smith and Isabella Smith (great-granddaughters).
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Margaret (Abe) Vesley and Alice (Russell) Hurd.
Instead of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Mercy.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.
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