Richard W. “Dick” Coffin, Jr., 79, of Beaumont, passed away Friday, March 12, 2010, after a lengthy illness. The son of the late Richard W. Coffin and Sue Barron Coffin, Dick was a lifelong resident of Beaumont and a fourth generation Texan. He attended Beaumont High School and the University of Texas. Following his studies, he enlisted in the Army during the Korean Conflict and attained the rank of Captain. While enlisted in the Army, Dick married Genie Mouton in 1952. After his discharge, they moved back to Beaumont where he began working at Texas Laundry and Cleaners and later as co-owner of Zenith Cleaners. He served as President of the company for many years, retiring in 1993.
Dick Coffin was a faithful member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, where he served on the Vestry and as Junior Warden and, in more recent years, enjoyed volunteering at Some Other Place. He was also a long time member of the Beaumont Country Club and served three terms as its President. Dick served as well for many years on the Beaumont Planning and Zoning Commission.
Dick Coffin had many friends with whom he grew up in Beaumont and those he met at the University of Texas. These life long friendships were a constant source of happiness and pride. He was, for many years, an avid tennis player and supporter of the Texas Longhorns. He loved his God, his family, his country and his dogs.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Genie Mouton Coffin of Beaumont; his daughters, Sissy Coffin of Beaumont and Judy Coffin and her husband Gary Scholick of San Rafael, California; and his grandchildren, Jennie Scholick of Princeton, New Jersey and Katie Scholick of Durham, North Carolina.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, March 15, 2010, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. Following the service, a gathering will be held in the Cloister.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Garden Fund, 680 Calder, Beaumont, Texas 77701; or the charity of one’s choice.
