Ronald L Coffman

Ron L. Coffman, award-winning writer, journalist and public relations practitioner, died Friday, July 15, at St. Anne’s Hospital in Toledo, Ohio. Ron was born September 19, 1941 in Washington Court House, Ohio, the son of Dwight and Mary Jane Coffman. He was president of the Washington High School class of 1959, and attended Miami (Ohio) University. He worked at newspapers in Circleville and Grove City, Ohio, before joining the Sandusky (Ohio) Register, where he was nominated in 1969 for a Pulitzer Prize in journalism for an investigative series on open housing titled, “The Crack in the Door.” He was public relations press manager at Cedar Point Amusement Park, before moving to Toledo to serve public relations clients at Flournoy & Gibbs, Inc. He went on to work for several Toledo advertising agencies, where he earned numerous awards for writing and creative excellence. Ron was also a noted speechwriter and the ghost writer of autobiographies for distinguished local Toledoans. He lent his distinctive speaking voice to radio and TV commercials written for several local firms. He kept his hand in community journalism as the associate editor of The Village Voice of Ottawa Hills, where he spent time on various playing fields as sportswriter and photographer. Ron handled many successful political campaigns, including those of sitting judges in the Toledo Municipal Court and Lucas County Court of Common Pleas. He enjoyed umpiring softball and baseball games for high school, college and adult teams. He became great friends with the birds, squirrels, chipmunks and bunnies he fed each day. Ron was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Judge Evelyn Coffman; and his beloved feline companion, Tiger Coffman-Simmons. Left to cherish his memory are his loving life partner of 36 years, Sharon Faller Simmons; son Montgomery Coffman (Nicole) of Toledo; daughters Laura Coffman of Huron OH and Tracy Rupp of Jacksonville FL; grandchildren Michael, Sabrina and Courtney Coffman; Jordan Coffman; and Aaron, Austin, Andrew and Alec Rupp. Ron is also survived by stepson James (Sandy) and their sons Nathan, Dustin, Nick and Mike; and stepbrothers George Coffman (Judy) and the Rev.Thomas Coffman (Kathi). Visitation is set Friday, July 22, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue. A celebration of life will follow Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Paws and Whiskers Cat Shelter, 32 Hillwyck Dr., Toledo OH 43615.