John Coffman

1926 - 2022

John Coffman
June 27, 1926 - December 18, 2021
Clovis, California - John Edward Coffman was born in Saginaw, Michigan on June 27, 1926 and passed away December 18, 2021 surrounded by his family.
John graduated from Clovis High School in 1943, and then went on to Fresno State College. During that time not only did he receive his degree in Animal Husbandry but was also president of his Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Like many, John took a short break during college to serve in the United States Navy during World War II stationed at Treasure Island as an electronics instructor.
John met the love of his life, Sally Charlotte Baird at Fresno State and they married on May 5, 1951 in Clovis, California. They truly had a wonderful marriage; one filled with admiration and love for each other throughout the decades. For 39 years, they owned and operated White Rail Ranch, a first-class breeding facility nestled between his cherished almond crops. He stood racing quarter horse stallions with desirable pedigrees that were sought after nationwide.
John was an accomplished horseman himself, raising five Top 5 finishers at the renowned All-American Futurity at the prestigious Ruidoso Downs in Ruidoso, New Mexico. In addition to his love of equine, John was a cattleman with an impressive herd of herefords, and over the decades made the transition to black angus cattle. He loved riding the fence line, watching his herd grow, and truly epitomized the rancher's way of life.
John was a confident and determined man with eternal optimism, who was beloved by all his family and friends. He was a man who prioritized education, success, and agriculture. So much so, that he served on the Clovis Unified School District governing board for 22 years. He believed every student should receive an exemplary education at CUSD. In 2003 Clovis Unified School District named the Ag Center at the Reagan Educational Center, the McFarlane – Coffman Ag Center as a way to pay tribute to John's lifelong commitment to students and their access to agriculture education.
John was never shy in sharing the pride he had for his children and grandchildren. Each accomplishing much in their own right – John beamed with joy in sharing their stories and triumphs. He is survived by his wife Sally, son Gordon Coffman (spouse Tricia Coffman), daughters Mary Noga (spouse Jerry Noga) and Sarah Mikolavich (spouse Matt Mikolavich), 5 grandchildren, Kadee Coffman Blair, Paige Noga, Kristin Noga, Gianni DiCerto, Dominick DiCerto and 1 great-grandson, Cal Ford Blair.
A private family graveside service will be held at the Academy Cemetery on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. In memoriam donations can be made to the McFarlane-Coffman Ag Center, care of Clovis East High School's Timberwolves Foundation, 2940 Leonard Ave., Clovis, CA 93619.