In Memory

Wayne Coffman

Wayne A. Coffman
September 23, 1944 - July 25, 2020

Wayne Allen Coffman, 75, of Tiffin, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2020 following a more than 20 year battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He was born on September 23, 1944 to Karl D. “Mike” and Bessie Helen (Williams) Coffman, and was the third of his parents four sons.

Survivors include his brothers, Paul D. (Nancy) Coffman and Harold L. (Cheryl) Coffman; sister-in-law, Linda Coffman; eight nephews and nieces and their children.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and oldest brother, Daniel E. Coffman.

Wayne graduated from Tiffin Columbian High School in 1962 and from broadcast engineering school in Washington, D.C. with an FCC 1st class radio engineering license.  He worked for a telephone company in Medina before returning to Tiffin to work for his father at Tiffin Automatic Music, a company he later owned and ran.  Following the sale of his company, he worked for Point Games then Lorain Music servicing coin operated music and game machines in a five county area.

Well known around the country as an antique auto collector and restorer, he was often called for information to help other antique collectors.  In addition to many National car tours, Wayne could often be seen driving one of his cars around tiffin and in various parades in the area.

He was a member of the following:  Pioneer Auto Club, Brass and Gas, REO Club, Franklin Club, Pullman Club, White, Vintage Chevy Club, 1 & 2 Cylinder Tours, AACA, Horseless Carriage, VMCCA, and was regular on the Glidden Tour and for 42 years proudly served on the Bascom Fire Department and housed an engine on the west side of Tiffin to better respond to calls just outside of the city limits.

His funeral service will be private and burial will be at St. Jacobs Cemetery, Republic.

His visitation will be from 5-8:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883, (419) 447-2424.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Pioneer Auto Club, c/o Sally Stanbery, 15545 SR 67, Upper Sandusky, Ohio 43351 in Wayne’s honor.

Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.

Note: During our 50th Reunion, Wayne introduced us to his collection - CLICK HERE

https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/17619559/Wayne-A-Coffman



 
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07/28/20 04:54 PM #5    

William Doemel

Do you all remember when we visited Wayne's "garages" (don't know what to call them) during our 50the Reunion? I have provided links to the pictures that I took in the Obituary, in Paul's commentary, and here - https://www.flickr.com/photos/cyanidium/sets/72157630924853742/. I remember getting out of my car and walking into a magical world -- pinball machines, the calliope, spark plugs, flash lights, Wurlitzers -- not one but many and ALL working and of course cars. As Paul says, Wayne is truly unique.


07/28/20 10:10 PM #6    

Penny Smith (Turner)

Wayne was known to me as a really quiet guy but very nice to everyone.  He must have poured a lot of love into the vast collections he had.  To inventory it all will be a massive job that will probably take months.  When Wayne invited our class to see his treasures, Sonny and I were truly astounded.  The "stuff" went up to the ceiling in some places -- remarkable!  Somehow or other he's probably still collecting something.  Rest in peace, Wayne.


07/29/20 12:06 PM #7    

Paul Paulus

My experience with Wayne fits with all those who have already responded.  He was always a highlight of the reunion for me.  His easygoing and "downhome" personality, his personal interest in you and of course his great collection. I spent many hours there during my reunion and other visits back to Tiffin.  I tried to tallk him out of one of his classic little cars, but he would not part with it.  So I had to start my own collection.  He was a "classic" and will be missed during my next visit back to Tiffin.  I hope to see him in the heavenly classic world on the "other side" when my time comes.


07/29/20 07:37 PM #8    

David Fraley (Fraley)

So sorry to hear about Waynes passing.  My sympathy goes out to all who cared aboout Wayne. He will be missed by many.


07/30/20 03:05 PM #9    

Jack Greene

Old car collectors has lossed a great one. Wayne's collection of old cars was one of the best.  His knowledge of these old cars will be missed. RIP Wayne


07/30/20 09:25 PM #10    

William Doemel

I am truly impressed by the number of people in our class who either have a strong interest in antique cars and the number who go so far as to collect them. Steve Smith also had an extensive collection - https://flic.kr/s/aHsjBbBgUQ . Wayne clearly influenced many of our classmates with his love of cars. 

When I visited his "museum" during our 50th reunion, I was just speechless when I saw the lines of pinball machines. Wayne assured me that all worked. Just amazing!


07/30/20 11:46 PM #11    

Jane Thompson (Paige)

I never got to know Wayne very well, but it sounds like his car collection was quite unique. The classic car tours sound like a great deal of fun.  I had a co-worker who did a lot of them. He was a remakable guy, and I'm sorry to hear of his passing.  


07/31/20 05:15 AM #12    

Stephen "Steve" Wilcoxson

I delayed making a comment about Wayne while I looked for a picture of me driving his 2015 (I think) American LaFrance ladder truck.  Can't seem to locate it. I guess he trusted me to handle it because I drove rescue trucks and ambulances back in Baltimore.

I visited Wayne, as well as Steve and Susie Smith,  during the last 20 years or so periodically while traveling to Tiffin to have work done on an airplane or training with the folks at Tiffin Aire. I regret not knowing them, as well as many others in my class, while in high school.

Like everyone I was amazed by Wayne's and Steve Smith's collections the first time we toured them during a reunion. If the two of them had combined their vehicles into one museum they would have had a major tourist attraction!

I learned a lot about Wayne during these infrequent visits. I shall miss him.  


07/31/20 02:20 PM #13    

P. James Mathias

I will always remember Wayne's love for life and pursuit of his hobbies. He was genuinely "himself" and always left me feeling better. He shared his life freely and whimsically. Leaving me with a smile. I am proud to say "he was one of us," the class of '62.


07/31/20 03:44 PM #14    

Stephen "Steve" Wilcoxson

PS so to speak. One time I was in Wayne's shop looking at his MGTD, which I admitted to him I coveted. I told him about the one I had driven belonging to Rita Porter when I was in high school (Long since passed away and the car belongs to a dentist in Clyde I think) and the book, The Red Car, which is one of my favorites. I told him it was written by Don Stanford and is a classic. I got it in the 4th grade probably, through Scolastic Books.  Without a word we go into the "Calliope" room.  Wayne reaches into the middle of a stack of books and papers and pulls out the original paperback! 


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