Dr. Jerry Paul Coburn, 83, of Joplin, Missouri passed away Sunday, August 28th, 2016 surrounded by family at the Webb City Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born September 1, 1932 in Joplin, Missouri to Clarence and Sylvia Coburn.
Jerry graduated from Joplin High School in May of 1951. After graduation he played semi-pro baseball for the Ban Johnson League in Oswego, Kansas. His team won the Kansas State Title in 1952.
Jerry married his sweetheart, Evelyn “Judy” Holmes, on April 4, 1954 in Oswego, Kansas. Their first home was on the Perrin Air Force Base in Sherman, Texas where Jerry served as an Airman First Class from 1952 to 1956.
Over the next 20 years Jerry earned three college degrees, including a PhD Degree from Kansas State University in May of 1976. He held various jobs throughout the years that capitalized on his gift of drafting and design. From 1967 until his retirement in 1989, Jerry taught drafting and design at Missouri Southern State College in Joplin, Missouri, Northern Montana College in Havre, Montana and at the Arkansas State University-Beebe. He was instrumental in starting the Auto CAD program at Beebe, Arkansas. Jerry was beloved by his students.
Jerry enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life including hunting, fishing, bowling, shooting pool, and gardening. The vegetables and strawberries he grew each summer were the delight of his neighbors, friends and family.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Evelyn “Judy” Coburn; three sons, Mick Coburn and wife Linda of Carl Junction, Missouri, David Coburn and wife Susan of Olathe, Kansas, Mark Coburn and wife Rita of Nixa, Missouri, daughter, Tamara Gibson and husband Nick of Bentonville, Arkansas, ten grandchildren, Jeremy Coburn, Chase Coburn, Sara Butler (husband Bryan), Rachel Coburn, Josh Coburn (wife Lindsey), Joey Coburn, Justin Sloniker (wife Cindy), Phillip Harrison, Nicholas Gibson, Nate Gibson and six great-grandchildren.
Jerry was preceded in death by his mother and father, Clarence and Sylvia Coburn, a grandson, Nathan Sloniker, and a granddaughter, Laura Coburn.
The 62 years Jerry and Judy had together was a true love story, evidenced in part by the fact that Judy cared for Jerry at home during his six year battle with Alzheimer’s.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to either the Royal Heights United Methodist Church (PO Box 639 Joplin, MO 64802) or the Alzheimer’s Association, http://alz.org – “Join the Cause” in care of the mortuary.
A memorial service has been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 1, 2016 at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Gary Thomas, Minister, will officiate. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation following the service.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.
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