COFFIN, Tom Gordon, Sr.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona 01/08/2010 Tom Gordon Coffin Sr., 88, of Phoenix died Dec. 28, 2009, with his family by his side. He was a native Phoenician, born in his home May 16, 1921. He attended Kenilworth Elementary, Phoenix Union High School, Phoenix College and the University of Arizona, where he lettered on the University golf team. He achieved the status of First Lieutenant and served in the Army Air Corp 370th Fighter Group, 401st Squadron during WWII, flying the P-38 Lightning and P-51 Mustang fighters over Europe. He continued his love of flying and golf throughout his life. He also had a love of the outdoors and nature which started as a young child where he spent his summers exploring the hills of Greer at the family cabin. Tom spent his entire business career working with his two brothers, Bill and George, running Lightning Moving and Warehouse Company, a local family business in Phoenix for over 70 years. He was a life member of the Phoenix Thunderbirds. Thomas is survived by his wife of 31 years Patty; daughter Judy Steyer (Terry); son Thomas Coffin Jr.; daughter Sally Coffin, three grandchildren Angela Ilmanen, Jamie Ridgley, James Coffin; two great-grandchildren Alyssa and Colin. A celebration of his life was held Thursday, Jan. 14, at Unity of Phoenix, 1500 East Greenway Parkway in Phoenix. The family asks that donations be sent to Thunderbird Charities, 7226 North 16th St., Phoenix, AZ 85020.