Lindsey Forrest Coffman, 86, passed away on Feb. 26. He was the son of Newman Lindsey Coffman and Myrtle Haxton Coffman and was born on Nov. 7, 1924 in Shawnee, Okla. He was a U.S. Naval veteran who served in both World War Ii and the Korean War. Following World War Ii he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Oklahoma Baptist University and a Masters Degree in Science Education from the Peabody College in Nashville, Tenn. He then returned to active duty at the outbreak of the Korean conflict.

In 1952 he joined the faculty of Marion Military Institute in Marion, Ala. Colonel Coffman served with distinction as Professor of Science and Biology until his retirement in 1990.

He married Caroline Virginia Smith, the love of his life, on May 25, 1952 in the Marion United Methodist Church where the couple remained active and loyal members. He was a devoted husband and father. He was especially adored by his grandchildren who he delighted in spoiling with ever conceivable indulgence.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Caroline, his sister, Wanda Womack, and his great grandson, Joseph Aubert Painter.

He is survived by his sister, Reata Jo Johnson, his son David Coffman (Kimberly), his daughter Imogene Keith (Kenneth), his grandchildren William Coffman (Meghan), Lindsey Painter (John), Baxter Keith, Taylor Keith, Virginia Keith and his great grandson, Gabriel Louis Palmer.

The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks and gratitude to caregivers Ms. Bobbie Bender, Ms. Joan Durand and all of the fine staff on the Ground Floor and Fourth Floor Special Care Units of Mount Royal Towers for their attentive and loving care of Mr. Coffman during his final years.

Family visitation will be held Wednesday, March 1 at 1 p.m. in the Marion United Methodist Church Chapel with the funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Dr. Larry Teasley and Rev. James Waters Jr. will be officiating. Burial will follow in the Marion Cemetery. Kirk Funeral Homes Marion Chapel directing.