Donald Coffin, a beloved community leader, entrepreneur, and devoted family man, passed away on Jan. 13, surrounded by his family and friends.
Born on a rural homestead on Nov. 5, 1932, Coffin's life was defined by a dedication to hard work, a commitment to community, and a belief in the power of vision and perseverance.
Growing up on his parents' farm, Coffin spent his formative years cultivating the land and growing vegetables, a tradition he passed down to his children. These early experiences instilled in him a Puritan work ethic that would become the foundation of his career and legacy.
“Dad was an inspiration to our entire family. His work ethic was instilled in all of us from a early age,” Mary Coffin said. “He always told us kids, “You know the difference between right and wrong. It’s up to you how you live your life. He accepted everyone for who they were, as Christ does.”
Over his lifetime, Coffin wore many hats: educator, banker, state representative, flower shop owner and newspaper publisher of the Logan County News. However, he was perhaps best known as the founder of Granny Had One, a Guthrie institution, for over 27 years.
Coffin played a pivotal role in Guthrie’s renaissance, leading efforts to secure the town’s place on the National Register of Historic Places.
One of Coffin’s most transformative contributions was his work with the Pollard Theatre, which he helped turn into one of the nation’s few performing arts centers with a full-time cast at the time. Under his guidance, the Pollard became a cultural hub, attracting thousands from across the Midwest and laying the foundation for festivals that continue to celebrate Guthrie’s history and heritage.
Coffin’s influence extended far beyond arts and preservation. As a state representative, he was known for his ability to work across the aisle.
Among his many accomplishments, he was instrumental in the construction of SH 105 and 74-C, secured HUD funding to revitalize deteriorating neighborhoods, and obtained millions in grants from national and state arts councils to enrich Guthrie’s cultural landscape.
Coffin shared a lifelong partnership with his wife, Shirley, whom he married in 1958 after returning from his service during the Korean War.
They instilled in their children—Mary, John and his wife Maria, Joe and his husband Craig, Anna and her husband Paul, Donna and her husband Ryan, Ben, and Rocky and his husband Drew—the importance of hard work, kindness, and making a difference in the world.
Coffin was also deeply proud of his grandchildren—Sarah and her husband Tim, Catherine and fiancé J.P., Rachel and her husband Austin, Brooke, and Tristan and her husband Austyn, and Grace —and his great-grandchildren—Walter, Sage, Theodore, Crew, Murphy and Lincoln Don.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Ralph and Beulah Coffin, his son Tristam Coffin, and his brother and sister-in-law, Dale and Karen Coffin.
Funeral services will be on Saturday, Jan. 18, at Community Church, 512 E Seward Road with a private family burial following.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Pollard Theatre (120 W Harrison Avenue, Guthrie, OK 73044), honoring Don’s lifelong dedication to community and culture or Camp Joy (8400 N Bryant Road, Guthrie, OK 73044).
Mary Coffin said her family is appreciative of all the community well-wishes.
“The community has shown amazing support for the entire family! Sending many messages and stories of how he influenced their lives!” Mary said.