Charles Coffman

September 13, 1944 - December 26, 2020

Charles Coffman, 76, of Cape Coral, FL, formerly of St. Albans, WV. passed away December 26, 2020 in Hope Hospice House. Charles was the son of the late R.C. “Cam” and Sylvia Coffman. 

He was a graduate of Dunbar High School, Marshall University, and South Dakota State University. Dr. Coffman was a member of the National Plant Board, the Eastern Plant Board, a 50-year member of the Entomological Society of America, and a founding member of the West Virginia Entomological Society. Dr. Coffman retired from the WV Department of Agriculture as Director of the Department’s Plant Industries Division after 32 years of service.

 He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of St. Albans where he served as Sunday School teacher, Elder, and Trustee.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years Judy Coffman, daughters Melissa Coffman and Jean Coffman; grandchildren Kayla Coffman, Landon Hamler, Kyra Massey, and Trent Massey; sister Linda Bess, brother David Coffman (Kathryn); and one great-grandchild.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions no formal services are planned at this time. 

Donations in his memory may be made to:  First Presbyterian Church of St. Albans, 201 Kanawha Terrace, St. Albans, WV  25177. 

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Celestine Ervin Dec 29, 2020 at 3:03 pm

    I worked for Dr. Coffman for over 20 years. He was well liked by his staff. Admired by colleagues throughout the United States as well as foreign countries. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Condolences to his family.

  2. Chris Kelley-Dye Dec 29, 2020 at 4:40 pm

    I truly enjoyed working with Charlie on many projects for many years. I admired his intellectual nature and his work ethics. Bless him as he flies with the Angels.

  3. Janet Fisher Dec 29, 2020 at 5:28 pm

    I’m so sorry to learn of Charlie’s passing. He was a wonderful man and I enjoyed working with him for many years in the WV Dept. of Agriculture. My deepest sympathies to Judy and his family.

  4. Ida Watson Dec 29, 2020 at 7:06 pm

    Judy, I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t remember if I ever met Charlie, but I know I have asked him bug questions via you.

  5. Leon Okes Dec 29, 2020 at 7:44 pm

    I recall Dr. Coffman heading up the gypsy moth control program for the WV Department of Agriculture. I worked there during the summers in the mid seventies. He was always very professional and considerate of the summer lab assistants.

  6. Noah Perry Dec 29, 2020 at 7:59 pm

    So sorry to know of Charlie’s passing. He was a fellow WVDA co-worker and a trusted and knowledgeable friend for many years.

  7. Susan Danford Dec 29, 2020 at 10:53 pm

    I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Hugs and prayers.

  8. Lorrie Mottesheard Dec 30, 2020 at 7:47 am

    Judy! I am so sorry to hear about Charlie! He was such a kind, funny person to be with-both of you were-
    I hope he was comfortable in the end~
    We will keep you in our prayers!

  9. Missy Young Dec 30, 2020 at 9:31 am

    I am deeply saddened to hear of Charlie’s passing. I worked with him at WV Dept of Agriculture for 20 years. He was a very sweet, professional and funny man. Sending my heart felt condolences to his family!

  10. Michael Scott Dec 30, 2020 at 12:33 pm

    So sad to hear of Charlie’s passing. My condolences to Judy and the rest of his family. I only knew him in high school. As I remember Charlie…he, in high school, was the kind of person that anyone would like to have as a friend. A truly good guy with high principles and seemed wise beyond his years….always seemed at peace with himself. Very intelligent and a good citizen. All of those qualities were few and far between for teenagers.

  11. Pam Hacker Dec 30, 2020 at 2:45 pm

    Judy, I am so sorry to hear about Charlie’s passing. I remember him very fondly from the many years he and Jan worked together.

  12. John Perdue Dec 30, 2020 at 3:47 pm

    Judy and family,

    Dr. Coffman was my first boss out of college. He was a true gentleman who taught me so much in the time that I worked for him in the lab. He will be greatly missed by many in the Department of Agriculture. Robin and I extend our condolences and prayers to the family.

  13. Rick Gilbert Dec 30, 2020 at 7:17 pm

    Will Miss HIM on the links
    Know that he is in a better place with lots of one putts.
    RIP my Friend
    Rick Gilbert WVDA

  14. Angelia Nabors Dec 30, 2020 at 7:37 pm

    Charlie was a wonderful cousin, always so loving and kind. I will miss being able to touch base with him via text or a card. I always enjoyed receiving his cards which included updates on the travel plans that he and Judy had either already done or were looking forward to.
    Happy New Year in Heaven Charlie! With Love, Angelia

  15. Jan Charminski Dec 30, 2020 at 10:04 pm

    Judy, please accept my condolences on your painful loss. I worked along Charlie for 20 years and always admired his intellect, dedication to work and rarely encountered work ethics. Charlie will remain in my memory as one of the best professionals I ever met with gentle and warm personality. Charlie — rest in peace…

  16. Jim Smith Dec 31, 2020 at 9:22 am

    Judy, I am so sorry and shocked to hear about Charlie’s passing. He was a really fine person and a true gentleman. I so much enjoyed our times working together at WVDA, as well as our times hunting and fishing together. I will especially miss our “annual” luncheons together to “catch up”.

  17. Risemary Pauley Dec 31, 2020 at 10:46 am

    Judy, prayers are being sent up for you and your family,

  18. John Rafferty Dec 31, 2020 at 1:04 pm

    Judy
    Deb and I are very sorry for your loss. Charlie was a wonderful man and a true gentleman in every sense of the word.

  19. Tom and Sheiila Owens Dec 31, 2020 at 1:57 pm

    Dear Judy and family,
    We were so sorry to here of Charlie’s passing. He was a very good husband, father, grandfather, and friend.. You all are in our prayers.

  20. Marge and Dave McCutcheon Dec 31, 2020 at 8:42 pm

    Dear Judy and family, we are so sincerely saddened by the news of Charlie’s passing. He was on the most loved and respected “gentlemen ” we’ve ever had the pleasure to know. I worked with him for 28 years and always enjoyed his company. Much love and prayers to all.

  21. Sherrie Hutchinson Dec 31, 2020 at 11:49 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. The family is in my thoughts and prayers. I worked for and with Dr. Coffman at the WV Dept. of Agriculture from the summer of 1978 until he retired. He was very dedicated in his many roles at WVDA and led by example. To this day I can picture him sitting at his desk surrounded by tall piles of paperwork – but he always knew where everything was. He was part of my work family and will be missed.

  22. Leo Stevenato Jan 1, 2021 at 8:21 pm

    I had the pleasurer of playing golf with Charlie in Cape Coral and always enjoyed his game and conversation.

    Leo Stevenato

  23. Dan Kelley, Jr. Jan 2, 2021 at 8:12 pm

    I had the pleasure of Charlie’s company several times on the golf course., over the past few years. He was an active and popular member of the Sandoval Men’s Golf Assn. His warmth and personable nature made him a welcome addition to any foursome.. He will be missed.

  24. Lisa Conn Jan 4, 2021 at 9:19 am

    I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Coffman at WVDA, he was a joy to work with and always willing to help. Prayers for his family.

  25. Craig Reid Jan 4, 2021 at 9:27 am

    Charlie lived next door to us for over 2 years in Florida. It was so great to talk about golf with him and see him ride his bike around the neighborhood. Charlie always had a smile on his face every time we would see him. I will miss him greatly.

  26. Susan and Bill Dickerson Jan 9, 2021 at 1:35 pm

    Susan and Bill Dickersone
    Charlie was a great man and a privilege to know. He was a fine entomologist. He had great sense of humor and joy in living. He did not let his diagnosis of prostate cancer change his perspective and make a couch potato of him. Charlie was always ready to lend a helping hand and to take part in national projects to control invasive insects. He was a friend at work and a friend outside of work. Judy’s description of Charlie’s last two days in the hospital was a comfort to hear.

  27. Laura Miller Jan 14, 2021 at 12:25 pm

    I’m so saddened to hear about Charlie’s passing. He was a great boss and colleague entomologist since day one when I started working at the Department of Agriculture. Always fair and very supportive of my career. I had great respect for him and admired his dedication and professionalism. I have missed him ever since he retired. He was funny and a great human being. RIP Charlie. My deepest sympathy and condolences to his wife Judy and family.

  28. Don Kludy, Lexington VA Jan 15, 2021 at 10:57 am

    Judy and Family

    My condolences on Charlie’s passing. I still remember the good times we shared during our working years while attending Plant Board and other professional meetings/activities. The last time I saw Charlie and you was at his retirement party. Still, we kept in touch because I always saw our relationship as not just professional, but also as friends.

  29. Linda Coffman Bess Jan 24, 2021 at 8:28 pm

    Charlie was my brother, so I am well aware of all his characteristic attributes (mostly good…LOL…siblings are not always perfect….he would be the first to laugh at these comments from his perfect sister…LOL). We had an awesome relationship.
    It’s been great reading all the comments submitted and knowing he touched so many. His positive outlook on life was a blessing to all who encountered him. Thanks to everyone who took the time to leave a personal message. It is very much appreciated.

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