Cade A. Coffman

Many hearts became heavy on Sunday, November 26, 2023, when Cade A. Coffman passed peacefully while in the presence of many who loved him.

Cade was born February 22, 1999 in Galion to Toby and Sonya (Sauselen) Coffman. At the early age of two and a half years old, he was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), which led to many challenges. But as he grew, he became an inspiration and hero to so many, as his outlook on life always focused on the positive. He absolutely loved his Col. Crawford School family who included him in everything and treated him as every young child would wish to be treated. He became the Football Homecoming King in his Senior year and earned his Academic Letter Award.  Cade graduated in 2017 and tried to give back to the school and other students by helping as a student aide following graduation. He had also worked at Lifetouch as a photo editor.

Cade was one of the most thoughtful and caring people around. His smile was contagious, and he shared a bond with his parents and brother, stronger than all. He enjoyed warm days where he could soak up the sun and watch their miniature donkeys and goats roam. Their family experienced many great trips to locations such as Pigeon Forge, Disney, Columbus Casino, and the Mount Hope Animal Auction, where he was ready to bring home a finger monkey; only to be talked out of that idea due to their dogs at home. He cherished time spent with his favorite dog, “Dot” and one of Cade’s greatest highlights was the trip offered through, Catch-A-Dream Foundation.  A hunting experience in Tennessee which was a huge success. Cade spent a lot of time on his Nintendo Switch, shopping on Amazon Prime and watching football. He was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan and did his best to cheer on the “black and gold” in person a couple of games each season.  It’s no wonder they dominated this past Sunday, as he was able to watch some of the game and would approve of the result.  He enjoyed time spent with family and friends and was always up for a shot of Fireball as well as a Long Island Iced Tea. Cade could joke with the best of them and was certainly not shy of poking fun at those he loved.

In addition to his dad and mom, Toby and Sonya Coffman; Cade is survived by his brother, Coty (Melissa Shepherd) Coffman and her children, Grady and Ava; paternal grandparents, Roger (Linda) Coffman and Dorinda (Kragick) Williams; maternal grandmother, Carla Sauselen and longtime companion, Dave Mahaney; aunts and uncles, Tonya (Andy) Lohr, Kim (Jason) Lynn, Lee Coffman and Bobby (Teri) Bauer and their family; cousins whom he was close with, Jake, Jessica, Danielle, Stephen (Karcey), and Nathan.

Welcoming him into Heaven is his great uncle, Dean Coffman and great aunt, Karen (Bryon) Smith.  

Cade’s nurse aides played a big part in his life and offered him some incredible experiences that helped to make him who he was. His family is extremely thankful to ALL that have cared for him, especially Tonia Barlow and Mandi Spitler.

His family will receive friends from 4 – 7 pm Thursday, November 30 at Wise Funeral Service, where his funeral will be held at 11:00 am Friday with Pastor Becky Stephens officiating. Whether attending calling hours or his funeral, Cade's family welcomes you to wear your favorite "black and gold" attire or any other football team memorabilia in celebration to Cade's love of the game. He will be privately laid to rest in Campbell Cemetery.

Donations can be made payable to either Nationwide Children’s Hospital or to the Catch-A-Dream Foundation and these gifts will be accepted through the funeral home.