Fredrick (Freddy) Marion Coffman, age79 passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2017, 3:31 pm, surrounded by the love of his family in Richland, Washington.

Fred was born in Springville, Utah in a tent behind his grandparent's house. He is preceded in death by his parents, Odessa (Mower) Harvey and Marion Coffman; sisters, Carol Holmes and Kay Coffman. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Sandra Coffman; son, Michael (Diane) Coffman; daughter, Michelle Gilbertsen; brothers, Bill (Joan) Lusty and Earl Coffman; sisters, Nancy (Phil) Keefer, Anne (Johnny) Short, Betsy (Mike) Murray; granddaughters, Heather and Samantha Bailey and many nephews, nieces, cousins and a cherished circle of friends.

After graduation Fred joined the US Navy, earning two Good Conduct Medals. When asked about his time in the Philippines and his Navy experience he stated," the Navy made me the man I am today. "Schooling in Aviation electronics gave him the experience to find a job after the Navy. He worked for Battelle, Exxon- Nuclear and Zetec in lssaquah, where he worked until he retired in 1999. During his time at Zetec, Fred was known for beer thirty one, off work at 3:30, enjoying a beer with friends at the Gas Lamp at 3:31..

During the years before retirement Fred played and coached softball. He loved teaching his teams to work together, play fair and win. Fred is remembered by his girls as a coach that cared enough to listen, stern enough to lead and persistent enough to bring home the win.

After retirement Fred and Sandy moved back to the Tri-Cities. Fred enjoyed working in the yard alongside his wife. He also enjoyed playing a round of golf with friends, a mean game of cribbage, playing darts and watching the sun set. Mostly he enjoyed the company of family and friends.

I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God has laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard him call
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Ah these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me
God wanted me now; He set me free.

Friends are invited to join the family at a Military Graveside Service, 11:00am Saturday, February 18, 2017, Sunset Gardens at Einan's off the ByPass in Richland, WA. A celebration of life will follow at the event center where you are encouraged to share stories and memories about your times spent with Fred.

 In lieu of flowers, please donate to Nationalgeographic.org in memory of Fredrick M. Coffman or a charity of your choice.