Thomas Lewis Coffman

Thomas “Tom” Coffman passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Salem, Va. Born on June 2, 1940, Tom spent his early years in Berwind, West Virginia along with his parents, the late Paul and Mary Coffman. They then moved to Salem where his parents were both school teachers. He is survived by his sisters Elizabeth Coffman Monin and husband Michael, Bonnie Newbold, Jackie Rutkowitz and Karen Beckett.
Tom will be greatly missed by his many friends in Virginia and throughout the country.

Tom was a talented pianist and entertained family and friends on many occasions. At gatherings he would lead choruses, playing by ear virtually any song requested.

Tom graduated from Andrew Lewis High School and the College of William and Mary and then went on to Princeton where he earned a PhD in psychology.

Tom taught and conducted research at Roanoke College in Salem, Sheffield University in England, and Maryville University of St Louis. Upon retirement, he returned to Salem where he spent many hours volunteering with the Kiwanis Club and built a business with rare, collectible, and vintage books.

A period of visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, March 15, 2024, at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A service celebrating Tom’s life will begin at 11 a.m. with Pastor Alan Combs officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the First United Methodist Church in Salem in memory of Tom.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.