Lawrence Dean Coffman

Lawrence Dean Coffman

Lawrence Dean Coffman, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dean was born to Paul and Exia Coffman on July 30, 1952, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, where he grew up and graduated from Ardmore High School in 1970 before earning his Associate Degree from Murray State College.

In August 1973, Dean joined the United States Air Force, serving proudly during the Vietnam era until 1977 and continuing in the reserves for three more years. He remained extremely proud to be an American and an Air Force veteran.

On July 4, 2020, Dean married Shirley Ann (Henry) Coffman, and together they shared 21 years of laughter, love, and adventure. They made countless good memories vacationing together and truly enjoyed each other’s company.

Dean loved music, dancing, and making people laugh. He enjoyed painting, woodworking, gardening, and spending time outdoors. He was very creative, neat, and talented. He also loved cheering for OU softball, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Dallas Cowboys.

Dean lived a full and joyful life. He dedicated most of his career to the hospitality industry. Dean never met a stranger. His natural charm, quick wit, and sense of humor made a lasting impression on everyone he met. Las Vegas was one of his favorite places, and he enjoyed playing and trying his luck wherever he went.

He was a proud “Pappy” to his grandchildren—Lexia Cooper, Keaton Williams, Shelby Hoffman and husband Calvin, Trett Charles and wife Katie, Kenady Charles and fiancé Trenton Dorsey, Logan Limbocker, and Andrew Thurman and wife Britni. Great-grandfather to Creede Goodin, Liam Goodin, Maverick Charles, Jessie Hoffman, Emerson Charles, Riggin Thurman, and Reita Thurman. His family was his greatest joy, and he never missed an opportunity to brag about them.

Dean is survived by his loving wife Shirley Ann Coffman of Skiatook; daughters Samantha DeAnne Williams and Chad of Davis and Vickie Thurman and Brian of Skiatook; brothers DeWayne Coffman and Cindie of Ardmore, Leonard Coffman of Davis, Richard Coffman of Davis; and sister Gail Conway of Dickson and his grandchildren. He is also remembered by many nieces, nephews, and friends who will never forget his big-hearted personality.

Dean had a gift for making people feel loved and full of joy. His honesty, humor, and warmth touched the lives of everyone who knew him, and those memories will live on forever.

Lawrence Dean Coffman will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives he touched—and by the lasting memories he leaves in the hearts of family and friends.