Warner L. Coffman, Sr., 87, of Madrid, formerly of Carbondale, IL, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2011, at the Madrid Home in Madrid, IA.

Warner was born June 1, 1924 in Ina, IL and grew up in Carbondale, IL.

He served in the Navy during WWII on board the destroyer USS Babbitt as a radioman.

After his discharge from the Navy, Warner returned to Carbondale where he met Audre Greer. They later married December 31, 1946 and enjoyed over 60 years together.

He worked in Carbondale for a brief period as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service until he decided to pursue becoming a licensed funeral director and embalmer. He graduated from the St. Louis School of Mortuary Science and began his career with the Huffman Funeral Home in Carbondale, IL.

In 1952, he and his family moved to the Alton/Wood River, IL area, where he spent his 50-plus year career as a funeral director and embalmer with the former Smith Funeral Homes and later with Irwin Chapel in Granite City and Glen Carbon. He also served as a Madison County Deputy Coroner in the 1970's and 1980's. A Mason in the Bethalto, IL Lodge 406 since 1955, Warner achieved permanent member status in the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Illinois.

To the families he served, he was a respected professional who brought comfort at times of loss. To his co-workers in the funeral profession he was a mentor, teacher and friend. All who knew him knew his quick wit, his tireless work ethic, devotion to his family and unshakable integrity. In 2007, Warner and Audre moved to the Madrid Home in Madrid, IA.

Warner was preceded in death by his wife Audre in 2007.

He is survived by his daughter Sherry Van Gelder and her husband Larry of St. Petersburg, FL; his son, Warner L. Coffman, II and his wife Linda of Ankeny, IA; and grandchildren, Doug Van Gelder and Michelle Gallagher in the Tampa Bay region of Florida, Amy Coffman Mann of St. Paul, MN and Jake Coffman of Ankeny, IA. He was also blessed with three great-grandchildren, Shea Gallagher and Becca and Zach Van Gelder, all of Florida.

A private service in Carbondale, IL is planned in the near future. Memorials may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Inc., 5452 N.E. 22nd Street, Des Moines, IA 50313-2528.

ARRANGEMENTS BY ILES FUNERAL HOMES - SUNDBERG-KIRKPATRICK CHAPEL.

Submitted by: Mary Zinzilieta