Harland D. Hal Coffman

Published in Topeka Capital-Journal on June 1, 2010

Harland D. Hal Coffman, 81, of Topeka, passed away on Sunday, May 30, 2010 at a Topeka hospital due to respiratory disease.

He was born on May 8, 1929 in Topeka, the son of Albert Pooch and Leota Cumpton Coffman. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1947.

He played professional baseball for five years with the New York Yankee and St. Louis Cardinal organizations, making the roster of the Cardinals at spring training in 1952.

Hal retired from the Capital Journal after 34 years of service. He was an avid sports fan spending many years bowling and playing golf. He was a golf nut and a member of the Lake Shawnee Golf Course for many years playing with his buddies the Sunrise Crowd. He could spend many hours watching the Royals, Jayhawks, golf or any other sport on TV.

Hal married Donna J. Eraas on December 31, 1948 in Topeka. She survives. Other survivors include three children; Dawn A. (Ed) Southall, Marty (Carol) Coffman and Carrie J. Coffman-Jones all of Topeka, seven grandchildren; Angie Turnbow, Skipper Southall, Annie Southall, Andy Coffman, Kristi Carter, Mackenzie Jones, Zack Jones and twelve great-grandchildren.

Hal was preceded in death by one granddaughter; Amy Dawn Southall and one brother; Burton L. Coffman. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. Burial will follow in Topeka Cemetery. Hal will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the U.M.D.F., KC Chapter c/o Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel, 2843 S.E. Minnesota Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66605.

To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.