Harold Coffman

Harold (Whitey) Dowden Coffman born on January 20, 1931 passed away on June 12, 2012 in Birmingham, Alabama. Whitey was born in Slaughters, Kentucky the fourth of seven children to Justice and Mary Lee Coffman. When Whitey was 10 years old the family moved to Mishawaka, Indiana. He graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1950 and was one of the star basketball players on the Mishawaka varsity basketball team. After graduation, Whitey accepted a basketball scholarship to Western New Mexico University in Silver City, New Mexico where he was a four year letterman under Coach Harve Oliphant. It was at Western where Whitey earned his nickname. He received his bachelors and master’s degrees in Education. Whitey was drafted into the Army where he served two years and was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. Upon discharge from the Service he married Miss Jeanne Andrea of Mishawaka, Indiana. Whitey accepted his first coaching job in Shipshewana, Indiana where he taught and coached for three years winning two county championships. After a one year coaching position in Michigan, in 1962 an opportunity drew the family back West settling in Las Cruces, New Mexico which would become their home for the next 49 years. Whitey was the head coach of the Las Cruces High School Bulldogs for 24 years. During his tenure, he would win eight district titles, two state championships and be named coach of the year twice. His 1976 team was ranked 32nd in the nation.

In 1988 Whitey retired from the Las Cruces Public Schools and opened the Coffman School of Driving. He and Jeanne operated the business for the next seven years until the business was sold. Whitey remained active in retirement as an Examiner for the New Mexico State Transportation Department. He also enjoyed traveling, bird hunting and fishing, spending time with his children and grandchildren, and being active in St. James Episcopal Church.

Whitey is survived by the love of his life, Jeanne and his children: Mark Coffman of Los Angeles, CA; Mike and Debbie Coffman of Albuquerque, NM; Lori and David Sours of Birmingham, Alabama; Jeff and Melony Coffman of Austin, TX and Jim Coffman of Albuquerque, NM and nine grandchildren: Ryan, Scott, Grant, Katie (deceased), Kylie, Nichalous, Dillon, Kathryn, Zackery and his beloved Scottish Terrier, Gigi. He is also survived by five brothers and one sister: Jack Coffman, Jean Fore, David Coffman, Ralph Coffman, Roger Coffman and Jerry Coffman. A Memorial Service is scheduled for July 26th at St. James Episcopal Church, Mesilla, NM. Whitey was a loving husband and father and a positive influence in so many lives. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in the name of Jeanne Coffman. Online condolences may be made at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com.