Mr. Dale Coffman

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated, and disciplined person. This description fairly accurately fits Mr. Dale Coffman who was indeed one of that rare breed, a born leader. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical, and realistic, someone who was a born manager. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Howard was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him, and let it be known just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Dale knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Dale was born on August 22, 1920 in Hickory County, Missouri. He was first greeted in the world by his parents Clayton and Mabel Coffman. He grew up in Detroit, Michigan. Even as a youngster, Dale learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life. His early life was filled with many exciting experiences.

Dale's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Dale enjoyed being part of teams and organizations, as well as groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Some of the sports he enjoyed playing during childhood included Baseball.

Dale was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. This is how he approached his friendships.

Dale felt comfortable taking charge in just about any situation. Whether it was at home or away, he maintained a take-charge attitude. When the family would travel or take vacations, he was always organized.

An objective and conscientious individual, Howard reveled in the security of those closest to him. This was especially true with Honey Coffman.

Following the ceremony, Dale and Honey spent time together on their honeymoon.

One of Dale most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, as well as his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends. The couple made new friends during their years together.

As was the case with many young couples, Dale and Honey lived modestly during the early years of their marriage.

A civic-minded person, Howard was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. He was a member of several community groups. Being generous with his time and energy, Dale liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset.

Dale was ever watchful of his family. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for how each member developed. Some may have believed he was a bit overprotective because he maintained a firm hand in most family matters. But he would give his stamp of approval to any request, as long as he could see how it might be beneficial. He also had the ability to enforce the rules if and when they were needed. Dale had two children, Kathy and Bob.

Dale was a proud parent. He would often be filled with pride because of the accomplishments of his children.

Dale liked to believe that he provided a warm, safe and nurturing environment for his children. Dale enjoyed family vacations, and also tried to teach responsibility when the family would travel. Some of his favorite vacations included: British Columbia, Hawaii, and Yellowstone, Alaska.

Later, he was also blessed with Two grandchildren, Samantha and Bobby.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Dale was always striving to make improvements when they were necessary or productive. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, he was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Dale upheld his high standards. His primary occupation was working at Hartford Insurance and in the Air Force Reserve.

Dale's ability to take command of any type of task caused him to be popular around the workplace. Dale was most definitely a team player. If you gave him a job, he would, without a doubt, get it done.

Dale served in the United States Air Force fighting in both WW II and the Vietnam War. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations, and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow servicemen and women. In the Air Force he worked State side with Air/Sea rescues over seas. Dale achieved the final rank of Major. As a natural leader and someone who was willing to do whatever it took to help the team, Dale was a respected member of his unit.

Dale approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached other aspects of his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly as well as one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. Some of those included hunting, fishing, and golf. For Dale many things brought him a little bit of joy in life. He also enjoyed watching his favorite teams and events whenever he got the opportunity, which were Nascar and Golf.

Dale always seemed like the type of person who could look at a situation and determine the best route to take. His perspective on retirement was no different. Retirement finally arrived in 1986. He made sure that every detail had been pre-planned and attended to. He moved to Smithland, Iowa to live on 16 acres. He enjoyed Golf, hunting, and fishing.

Even in retirement he managed to keep in touch with old friends and make plenty of new ones. He still kept pets throughout retirement; they included Dogs named: Lady, Nick, Jody, and Tikki. Lady was a loyal companion of Dale for almost 15 years.

In many ways, Dale loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new and interesting activities.

Dale Coffman left us on May 24th, 2011 at the age of 90, ending a brave battle with Cancer. He passed away at home surrounded by his loving daughter, Kathy and her husband Larry. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Mae (Honey) Coffman. He is survived by his children Kathy and Bob, son-in-law Larry, grandchildren Samantha and Bob, and one great grand daughter Addison. Services were handled by Cypress Funeral Home 1698 N Bloomingdale Rd., glendale Heights, Illinois 60139. Dale was laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln Veteran's Cemetery in Illinois. in lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that they be sent to PO Box 758516 Topeka, KS 66675-8516. Please make checks payable to the wounded warriors project. Also, please feel free to visit http://www.woundedwarriorsproject.org .

All who knew him would agree that Dale was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly planted on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Mr. Dale Coffman did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched were given the chance to become a better person.