Independence Daily Reporter (Independence, Kansas) 28 April 1924

DR. COFFMAN DIED SATURDAY NIGHT
Passed Away at the Family Home in this City
HERE OVER SEVEN YEARS
The Deceased Stood High Among his Professional Associates and the People

Dr. Gilbert Lee Coffman, a prominent physician of this city, passed away Saturday night at 8:30 o’clock at the family home, 300 Westminster Street, age 55 years, 3 months and 10 days.

The deceased was born in Pine Creek, Illinois, January 16, 1869. He was the youngest of a family of twelve children. He was united in marriage with Luella Gates at St. Louis, Mo., in 1896. On leaving St. Louis in 1897 he went with his wife to Williamsport, Indiana, moving there in the fall of that year, where he engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1901 he came to Kansas locating at Thayer where he built up a large practice. Seven years ago last June he removed with his family to this city, first forming a partnership with Dr. T. C. Long for the general practice of medicine. Three months later this partnership was dissolved and Dr. Coffman established an office by himself. He very soon took a prominent place among the physicians of the city and built for himself an extensive practice.

He is survived by his wife, and two daughters, Mrs. Russell Spaulding, and Miss Naomi Coffman, one grand-daughter, Marcelle Spaulding, and three sisters.

Funeral Tuesday Afternoon
The funeral services will be held tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Presbyterian Church, and will be in charge of Rev. O.K. Hobson of Wellsville Kansas, formerly pastor of the Methodist Church at Thayer, and an old and intimate friend of the deceased.

Dr. Coffman was taken to the Johnson Hospital at Chanute April 10th where he underwent an operation for gall stones. It developed in the operation that he was also suffering from cancer of the liver. His friends have felt there was but little hope of his recovery since that time. On Thursday April 24th the Doctor requested that he be brought back to his home, since which time he has gradually failed until he fell into the last long sleep.
A Christian Man
Dr. Coffman was a sincere, earnest man and was greatly devoted to his home and family. When his daughter was married he insisted that she continue to live at home so there would be no break in the family circle. Always considerate of every wish of each member of the family, it was in his home that he found rest and comfort from the activities of a busy professional life, and to which he always came with a smile and a pleasant greeting.
He was a Christian man with high ideals, and early in his live joined the Christian church. Later in his life he united with the Methodist church and at the time of his death held his membership in the Methodist Church of Thayer.
Enjoyed a Large Practice
Coming into this city a comparative stranger he soon won for himself a high place in the esteem of its citizens and in the general practice of profession to a high rank. He was a man of great energy and gave close attention to his patients. His death comes as a severe blow to his family and a large circle of intimate friends. During his confinement in the hospital many friends drove to Chanute to see him and his room has at all times been enlivened with floral tributes sent by friends.
The body will be in state at the family home, 300 Westminster Place, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
***
Independence Daily Reporter (Independence, Kansas) 30 April 1924
FUNERAL OF DR. COFFMAN
Impressive Services Held Yesterday at First Presbyterian Church
Impressive funeral services were held yesterday afternoon at the First Presbyterian Church for Dr. Gilbert Lee Coffman, who passed away Saturday evening at the family home at 800 Westminster Place. Rev. O. K. Hobson of the Wellsville, Kansas Methodist Church delivered the sermon and was assisted by Rev. E. C. Luck of the local First Presbyterian Church.

The Potts quartet, composed of Rovert Moses, C. W. Lynch, Elmer Page and Edwin Potts sang three favorite hymns of Dr. Coffman , “Across the Bar,” “Jesus Savior Pilot Be” and “Sometime We’ll Understand.”

Acting pallbearers were E. Clate Fair, Thomas Wagstaff, Frank Bovaird, P. M. McKay, Arthur Hough and Riley Woolridge. Honorary pallbearers were Dr. C. C. Sturber, Dr. C. W. DeMott, Dr. C. B. McClurg, Dr. O. W. Ellison, Dr. E. C. Wickersham, Dr. J. B. Blades, Dr. S. Flatt and Dr. W. E. Youngs.

The physicians and nurses of the city, the Knights Templar, the Royal Neighbors, The Eastern Star and the member of the Camp Fire attended the services and were seated in a body.
Burial was in the mausoleum, the Knights Templar conducting an impressive ritualistic ceremony.

Contributed by Jane Edson

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