William Allan Coffman, 97, of Defiance passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, surrounded by loved ones at The Laurels of Defiance.

Bill was born on February 8, 1929 to Melvin and Ruth Coffman in Piqua, Ohio. He graduated from Defiance High School in 1947. He worked for his great grandparents, George and Nancy Jatho, at their grocery store during grade school delivering groceries and doing odd jobs. He was paid in candy and gift certificates at Louie's downtown for underwear. He boxed Golden Gloves as a Lightweight in his teens. He later worked at a gas station and Morris Heating. In March 1948 he enlisted in the newly formed United States Air Force. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-5) as an aircraft mechanic on the B-36 Peacemaker in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) and was discharged in March 1954 a few days after his son David was born in Defiance.

On July 22, 1952 he married Kay Louise Wasnich and they lived in Fort Worth, Texas where he was stationed with the USAF for a few years before returning to Defiance. After leaving the Air Force, Bill started working at General Motors Central Foundry Division as an iron pourer. He was then appointed as a foreman. After a few years he moved to apprentice as a pattern repairman. He worked in that job until his retirement in 1993. After retirement he took up playing golf. He was a member of the Masons for over 50 years and a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Defiance.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Kay and daughter Peggy; his parents; brother Rodger Coffman, sisters Betty Brown and Florence Proxmire, and daughter-in-law Maria Coffman. He is survived by his children, David Coffman, Larry (Gloria) Coffman, Greg (Juli) Coffman, Ann (Lyle) Melick and Gina Coffman; eight grandchildren and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; sisters Jean Barnes and Ruth Ann Lucas; brother Walter (Jeanne) Coffman; and girlfriend Linda Hiner. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, March 30th at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, with Rev. John Melick officiating. Bill will be laid to rest in Riverview Memory Gardens. Memorials are suggested to St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com

St. Paul United Methodist Church
400 Wayne Avenue, Defiance, Ohio 43512,
Tel: 419-782-3751
Web: www.defiancestpauls.com/