Willis Dean Coffman

Bethalto: Willis Dean Coffman, 84, passed away at 8:55am on Thursday, April 9, 2015, at his residence. He was born on January 14, 1931, in Dixon, Missouri, the son of the late Robert and Olive Coffman. He married the former Barbara Cheely on July 22, 1951, in Wood River, and she survives. Other survivors include one daughter: Paula Cook of Bethalto, one son: Richard Coffman of Tucson, Arizona, two grandchildren: Deanna McMahan and Jason Cook, four great grandchildren: Taylar McMahan, Chas McMahan, Isaac Cook, Makayla Cook, one sister and brother in law: Darlene and Gene Rhodes of East Alton, one brother and sister in law: Richard Dale and Kathy Coffman of Alton. He was formerly employed as a pipefitter at Shell for 37 years. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Holiday Shores Fire Department for 27 years. He was also served as a firefighter at Shell for 13 years. He was a 55 year member of the Pipefitters Local 553. He and his wife lived in Holiday Shores for 30 years prior to moving to Bethalto in 2006. He was a 59 year member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wood River. He loved warm weather and tending to his flowers. He was a retired warrant officer in the United States Army. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson: Derrick Coffman, and two brothers: Robert Coffman and Gary Coffman. In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 9am until time of funeral services at 11am on Thursday, April 16, 2015, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wood River. Pastor Martin Schultz will officiate. Burial will follow at Woodland Hill Cemetery in East Alton with full military honors by the Ritual Team of Collinsville VFW Post #5691. Memorials are suggested to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wood River.