Mr. Sam Coffman Jr.

Mr. Sam Coffman Jr., 89, of Gilson, Illinois passed away at 4:50 am Friday, May 29, 2020 at Sunset Manor, Canton, Illinois.

Sam was born November 4, 1930 in Galesburg, Illinois to Sam and Bernice (Scharfenberg) Coffman.  He married Donna Nelson on September 12, 1952 at the Coldbrook Christian Church, Cameron, Illinois.  She survives him.

Also surviving are their children: Lynn Coffman, Riverside, California, Jim (Gail) Coffman, Maquon, Illinois, and Gail (David) Bender, Saginaw Michigan; a sister: Mary (Bill) Bonansinga, Cincinnati, Ohio; seven grandchildren: Jocelyn (Ruben) Araos, Thomas (Amber) Ferran, Mike (Dana) Coffman, Sarah (Adam) Mahrt, Abby (Terry Smith) Bender, Dan (Kathy) Bender, Matt (Sarah) Bender; and eight great-grandchildren: Ethan and Evan Coffman, Andreia and Zachary Mahrt, Jason and Ryan Bender, and Luke and Emily Bender.  He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, T.J. Coffman.

Sam graduated from Galesburg High School in 1949.  As he was building his farm business, he worked for the Galesburg Order Buyers and was their radio personality for broadcasting the daily farm markets.  Sam was a landowner and farm manager all of his life.  His lifelong friendships included the “First Nighters”, friends who gathered annually for decades.  He enjoyed going to auctions and talking with other farmers during all of his travels.  Family was most important and their wellbeing was his highest priority.

A private graveside remembrance will be held at the Maquon Cemetery.  A celebration of Sam’s life will be announced at a later date when all can attend. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Courtyard Estates of Knoxville. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel is assisting with arrangements.  On-line condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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