Donald Coffin, a cherished community leader, visionary entrepreneur, and devoted family man, passed away on January 13, 2025, surrounded by his family and friends.
Born on a rural homestead on November 5, 1932, Don's life was defined by an unwavering dedication to hard work, a commitment to community, and a belief in the power of vision and perseverance.
Growing up on his parents' farm, Don spent his formative years cultivating the land and growing vegetables—a tradition he lovingly passed down to his children. These early experiences instilled in him a Puritan work ethic that would become the foundation of his remarkable career and lasting legacy. Over his lifetime, Don 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 beloved Guthrie institution for over 27 years.
Don played a pivotal role in Guthrie’s renaissance, leading efforts to secure the town’s place on the National Register of Historic Places. His vision uncovered the hidden treasures of Guthrie’s Victorian architecture, sparking a downtown revitalization that preserved its historical charm and made Guthrie a cultural destination.
One of Don’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 rich history and heritage.
Another example of Don’s cultural influence on Guthrie was the work to bring national acts to perform at the Guthrie Masonic Temple. Acts such as Henry Mancini, The Harlem Boys Choir, Lena Horne, Victor Borge and Luciano Pavarotti.
Don’s influence extended far beyond arts and preservation. As a state representative, he was known for his ability to work across the aisle, building bipartisan support for initiatives that transformed his community. 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. He also served as the campaign manager for Governor David Hall’s successful 1970 gubernatorial campaign and later as a legislative liaison for Governor David Boren.
At Granny Had One, Don’s passion for baking and hospitality drew visitors from all over the Midwest and Southwest. Rising at 4 AM each day, he filled the restaurant with the aroma of freshly baked breads, pies, and desserts. His iconic dill bread became a regional treasure, bringing travelers from as far as Texas and Iowa.
While Don’s professional achievements were extraordinary, his greatest pride and joy came from his role as a husband, father, and grandfather. He shared a lifelong partnership with his wife, Shirley, whom he married in 1958 after returning from his service during the Korean War. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and enduring values. 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.
Don 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. To Don, family extended beyond bloodlines, welcoming numerous friends into the Coffin family with open arms.
Preceding Don in death were his parents, Ralph and Beulah Coffin, his son Tristam Coffin, and his brother and sister-in-law, Dale and Karen Coffin.
Don’s life was a testament to the transformative power of vision, dedication, and love. His Puritan work ethic, coupled with his kindness and generosity, left an indelible mark on Guthrie and beyond. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.
Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Community Church (512 E Seward Rd, Guthrie, OK 73044) with a private family burial following.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 12-7 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Pollard Theatre (120 W Harrison Ave, Guthrie, OK 73044), honoring Don’s lifelong dedication to community and culture or Camp Joy (8400 N Bryant Rd, Guthrie, OK 73044).
Services are under the direction of Hayes Funeral Home. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at hayesfh.com.