Dave Coffman
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Dave Coffman, 72, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri passed away after a heart wrenching battle against pancreatic cancer, on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at his home surrounded by loved ones. A visitation will be held 4:30-6:30 pm, followed by Celebration of Life at 6:40 PM, Sunday, April 28, 2019 at Woods Chapel United Methodist Church, 4725 NE Lakewood Way, Lee’s Summit, Missouri 64064. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Dave Coffman to: WCUMC Adoption Resource Foundation and mailed to WCUMC 4725 NE Lakewood Way, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 or Raytown Lee’s Summit Community Credit Union has an account set up and funds donated there will help with the following:
- Expected and Unexpected Illness-related Expenses
- Establishing a Dave Coffman Educational Scholarship
- WCUMC Adoption Resource Foundation
Checks Payable to: Dave Coffman, in the memo section write “Fundraiser-09”, Mail to: RLSCCU, 504 SW 3rd St, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063, ATTN: COFFMANSTRONG
Dave was born June 22, 1946 in Independence, Missouri. He grew up on a farm near Kearney, Missouri. Dave went to Highland Junior college where he played football and grew to love coaching. He graduated from CMSU with a degree in Education. While still in college Dave married his hometown sweetheart, Rose Mary Postema.
He received his first job coaching in Plattsburg, Missouri before being drafted into the Army. Following boot camp and all his military training, Dave spent 5 months in Korea during the Vietnam War and honorably discharged. While still on active duty, Dave was recruited by the North Platt School district to become the principal for an Edgerton Elementary School. At this time Dave also was coaching high school athletics.
During this time of his life, he and Rose Mary were starting their new family with the addition of Cortney in August of 1970 and Amy in January of 1973. In 1978 Dave and his family moved to Blue Springs and Dave become the principal at Westridge Elementary in the Raytown School District where he remained for the next 22 years.
In 1991, Dave was awarded the National PTA Phoebe Apperson Hearst Award for the Top Educator. After serving 30 years in public schools, Dave remained involved in the education system by supervising/mentoring student teachers and substituting as principal wherever the need arose. During his retirement, Dave also became involved in the Youth Friend mentorship program. He mentored numerous youths over the course of almost 20 years.
Dave also worked with former KC Chief Deron Cherry to create the Score 1 for Health Charity. This program provides free in-school health screening for elementary children. Dave and Rose Mary’s ultimate charity work began after a trip to a Russian orphanage inspired them to create the Woods Chapel United Methodist Church Adoption Resource Foundation. In the 15 years since its inception, over 300 children found their forever home. Clearly retirement did not mean the same thing to Dave. He then began a new career as a financial advisor with Primerica. Dave was not on this earth to enrich himself but instead to help others gain financial freedom.
He was always infectiously enthusiastic, always smiling and always thinking of everyone else first. To have known him was to love him. In fact, to have met Dave was to love him.
He was preceded in death by; his parents, Lloyd and Mildred Coffman. Survivors include: Rose Mary Coffman, wife 52 years; his daughter and sons-in-law, Cortney & Neil Cooper and Amy Coffman and Casey Reynolds; grandchildren, Logan Murphy, Brayton Cooper, Tatum Cooper; brothers & sisters-in-law, Lyle & Kay Coffman and Guy & Sally Coffman; Dave was a loving father figure to, Dominique & Isabelle Habegger and their children Alice, Estelle, and Benoit in Geneva, Switzerland and Manuela Grandi & Andrew Fieggen and their children Giorgio and Melina from Cape Town, South Africa.
Visits: 7
Our condolences to Rose Mary, Cortney, Amy and your families! I was blessed to interact with David many times over the last 15 years while at the Primerica office. David was always positive and genuinely kind to everyone. I enjoyed his friendship as well as his regular encouraging words and affirmation. He was a man of character and heartfelt purpose applied to his daily life.
Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you as face the next steps of your journey. I know his life is a treasure to you and many and expect you will find great encouragement knowing so.
He was such a man of character and love. Thank you for being an inspiration and making the world a better place to be.
I have never had the blessing of meeting Dave Coffman – but I know his daughter Amy, a completely amazing person changing our community with her open-armed acceptance and love. Reading about Dave, I can see where Amy’s loving positivity comes from. I stand with the Coffman family in mourning. Rose Mary and Dave, your parenting partnership raised some incredible human beings and I’m grateful to you both.
Beautiful giving soul, who touched so many lives across the globe. Uncle Dave will be missed by thousands! Love the amazing tribute video. You all stay strong and know we’re all praying for your heartache to ease knowing Uncle Dave is no longer suffering. I love you all!
I am honored to have been graced by your father’s presences before the Lord summoned him to the heavens. He touched my heart. It was but a small moment in time, under unusual and wonderously, unique circumstances…..those that I could never have prepared for. He eased my worry with his genuine smile and showed me with his kindess and love that everything would be okay. I made peace with my past that day. God rest his beautiful soul.
Life is a wonderful journey of friends, family, and the thrill of experiencing all of God’s creations. What He has in store for all of us in his own place and time is a glorious mystery. May He bless all of you in your time of need.
Dave left quite a legacy. He was so real with his faith, family, friends, passions and had a servants heart. Well done good and faithful servant describes Dave. Memories of Dave bring a smile to all who knew and loved him and gratitude having shared time with him. Prayers, love and condolences sent to Rose Mary, Amy, Cortney and his entire family??????
Dave left quite a legacy. He was so real with his faith, family, friends, passions and had a servants heart. Well done good and faithful servant describes Dave. Memories of Dave bring a smile to all who knew and loved him and gratitude having shared time with him. Prayers, love and condolences sent to Rose Mary, Amy, Cortney and his entire family??????
Dave left quite a legacy. He was so real with his faith, family, friends, passions and had a servants heart. Well done good and faithful servant describes Dave. Memories of Dave bring a smile to all who knew and loved him and gratitude having shared time with him. Prayers, love and condolences sent to Rose Mary, Amy, Cortney and his entire family??????
Condolences to the family for this loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my father recently of pancreatic cancer as well. So I know what it was like for you. Every member in your family is in my prayers that you will find peace and comfort.
The light from the face of our Lord shined through Dave’s life every day. His picture should be in the dictionary by the word “grace.”
The world misses this caring man.
I just loved this man. I always enjoyed my conversations with him because he cared enough to listen. Dave was very intelligent and a deeply caring man. I respected him and looked up to him even at my age. And boy does he love his wife! What a great example! I know this earth misses him already and I pray the family and friends grieving his death will find peace and comfort as we mourn together.
Cortney and family. So, so sorry for your loss. My heartfelt prayers go out to you as you mourn the loss of a wonderful human being.
Dave was the first Principal in the Raytown School District who allowed my, as school counselor, therapy dog, Disney, to work in his school. Disney never let us down with her unconditional love for everyone. When I would see Dave after he retired he always asked about her. Disney and I will always be grateful he made that great decision to try this new program.
Thank you, Dave
Thoughts and prayers to the Coffman family
Dave was a wonderful role model for the students of the North Platte School system. He was loved and respected by all. Our prayers are with Rosemary and his family. May God hold you close in your time of loss.
There’s no one quite like Dave! We’ve had the pure honor of serving with him over the years with Families for Adoption. He adopted us all as his “Kids.” “Hey Kid,” he’d say and make us smile. Our family just learned the news here in Texas. We are so very sad to see him go, but very pleased to know he is in a far better, more beautiful place! Rosemary, we love you and your family, and certainly love Dave. We will forever hold him and you all in our hearts!
Dave was an extraordinary man. He was kind and generous and warm. He had a heart for adoption and was influential in my husband and my life as we prepared to adopt. I am glad to have known him and heard Rose Mary’s story. May all who grieve his death prepare to meet him one day at Jesus’ side. Rose Mary, I am praying for your comfort and strength.
Mr. Coffman was a very caring person and was genuinely concerned about all the children in school. We were blessed to have him at Edgerton Elementary School. Condolences for the Coffman family. I can see him with the parachute. Fun Memories
From Dave’s family in South Africa, we are sending our deepest condolences to Rose Mary, Cortney, Amy, Brayton, Tatum and all the many people who loved Dave. Our wife and mother Manuela is able to be with the family during this time of unbearable sadness and loss, but we are all there in our thoughts and prayers. We have many treasured memories of time spent with Dave. His generosity, kindness and enthusiasm for life have been an example and an inspiration to all of us. Our children have been blessed to have Dave as their Papa and he will always hold a special place in their hearts. We will all miss him enormously.
Our heart felt condolence to Rose Mary, Cortney and Amy and their families from my son, Ashley Riseman and me. Dave leaves such a loving legacy to all whom he touched on this earth. He was so interested in everything and the lives of others. Ash sends his message asking me to tell Rose Mary he loves her.
I met Dave when I was the nurse coordinator for the Hickman Mills school district and he would substitute as principal in my schools. He was always smiling and wanting to help, and he had a wonderful sense of keeping the students and faculty calm. I want to thank him for the years of care and concern he took with my friend, Mary Lou Duffield. I think he has a special star in his crown for taking on that task, and wanted you to know. Love and prayers to your family at this time.
Carolyn and I met Dave and Rose Mary through our work with the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP). We also were blessed to meet their daughters, Cortney and Amy. We worked together for several years in planning MAESP major events and moving the association forward. Our families were always included in our work.
I had the opportunity to attend the In award ceremony when Dave received the National PTA Phoebe Apperson Hearst Award for the Top Educator in 1991. It was a grand celebration of Dave’s commitment to children, parents, communities, and educational opportunities for all.
We have read the wonderful memories and tributes others have written about Dave and his family. We also know that there are many out there who have benefited from Dave’s love and energy to make the Kansas City area and the world a better place. All of us carry Dave and his family in our hearts and prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are extended to Rose Mary; Cortney’s & Amy’s families; and to the other children, now adults, who were treated as part of the Coffman Family. May the tears of your loss be replaced with tears formed by your cherished memories.
“May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26, NIV Bible)