Robert W. Coffing

Covington, Ind. - Bob Coffing died peacefully at home in Covington, Indiana on Sunday, September 19, 2021, surrounded by family. His tires were well-worn from the 93 years he spent on this earth, and he was ready to see his maker.

Bob was born on May 12, 1928, to John Dayton and Hope Elizabeth (Cook) Coffing. After graduating from Kingman High School, he served in the army where he was a firefighter, achieving the rank of corporal, he married Barbara Curtis on October 23, 1948. They enjoyed a quiet peaceful life of newlyweds for about a year before entering what would become a decades-ong adventure of love, patience, and strong opinions as they created a family of eight children, 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchilden.

For the last 45 years or so, Bob carried on a love affair. Yes, Barb knew, and she mostly approved. The affair was with his John Deere tractor with which he spent hours mowing down everything in sight, or simply making the rounds to inspect the seemingly endless plantings of saplings, or the havoc wreaked by the cursed moles. This affair lasted as long as it did, thanks in large part to his nephew Alan, who would make house calls to repair the tractor's battle wounds. Bob also loved his canine companions - each occupying a special place in his heart during their reign, accompanying him wherever he went, often perched on the front seat of his truck. In recent years Bob was most content sitting in his easy chair with his granddog Abe on his lap near the fireplace as soon as outside temperatures plummeted into the 50s.

Bob was a player, and holy cow was he competitive when it came to cards, dominos, or board games. He especially loved spending hours playing (and inflicting) Aggravation with family and friends. While he was a man of few words, his timing with their use was impeccable. He could deliver the funniest one-liners, and brutally honest takedowns with surgical precision, especially if he thought you were putting on airs. His collection of quirky idioms never failed to induce laughter.

Bob was one of the second generation of brothers who owned and operated Coffing Brothers Orchard, he spent 60+ of his working years there. While you can take the man out of the orchard, it was impossible to take the orchard out of the man - Bob spent his retirement years tending his peach trees, harvesting walnuts, and making the best apple cider around. He had a second career as a crop insurance adjuster, traveling around to farms all over the Midwest, which provided the perfect opportunity to learn which diner had the best pie in every town he visited.

Bob will be deeply missed by many friends and family, including his children Vickie McCormick, Sherry Adams (Steve), Mike Coffing (Leslie), daughter-in-law Susan Coffing, Todd Coffing, Lori Campbell (David), Curt Coffing (Doug Hintz), Jennifer Summers (Mike); 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Barbara, son Jeff, and son-in-law Jim McCormick.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to honor Bob's memory please open your heart and carry out a random act of kindness for someone in need, or make a contribution in his honor to West Liberty Church of Christ, of which Bob was a lifelong member(2806 W SR 32, Covington, IN 47932) or the Covington City Park Playground Fund (C/O Western Indiana Community Foundation, Inc., 135 S. Stringtown Rd. P.O. Box 175 Covington, IN 47932).