Birth date: Oct 25, 1932 Death date: Jan 7, 2020
Marlene (Massey) Coffman, 87, of Decatur, passed away on Tuesday January 7, 2020 at Decatur Memorial Hospital. Marlene was born in Leslie, AR on August 25, 1932 to Troy O. and Lola E. (Fendley) Massey. She married Bobb Coffman on Read Obituary
On behalf of my dad, Bob, and all the Underwood boys, you have our most sincere condolences.
Hello, Melanie, Mike, and families
When I started bowling in the adult leagues in 1963, I was 11 years old and most of the high roller bowling ladies had little to do with me, other than to treat me like a brat (I probably was, but that's beside the point!). Your wonderful mother and Ruth Allen were the only people who stepped up and treated me like an adult bowler. I loved them both instantly and that loved never waned.
I wanted to share a memory with you. As you are aware, Marlene was the first Decatur woman bowler to break the 700 barrier. I was bowling against her in the Ladies Scratch Doubles League on Monday night at the Eldorado Bowl when she bowled it. My hand was shaking so badly I could barely write down the score! I know that a 700 today is a ho-hum score but back when we had primitive conditions, it was a very big deal! Your mom took it in stride and didn't allow herself to get a big head over setting a city scoring record. I never made it to 700 in all my years of bowling so I've always been a little envious of her achievement.
I had every intention of making to your visitation this morning but I woke up with bronchitis today so cannot be around people with perfume or flowers due to my severe allergies. I'm so very sorry about the loss of your mom. As stated, I loved her very much and have missed her here at Spare Time Lanes. By the way, I took over the job from Sandy Schuerman on April 1, 2019 and have automated all of the processes in the Spare Time office. I have your mom's old desk. She is missed.
Dear Melanie and Mike,
I have nothing but warm fond memories of your mom. In my youth, she was like a cheerleader for me, encouraging me to bowl my best. Although I left bowling years ago, I've kept up on reports of Marlene's health issues. I'm so sorry for your loss. She was a special lady. 💓
Melanie and Mike - your mom was one of a kind - a joy to be around. She was a good friend for many years and I will miss her very much. Remember the good times and cherish those memories. My thoughts and prayers are with both of you and your families. Pat Norman
The Kankakee Women's Bowling Association send our sincere condolences to the family of Marlene. Our memories consist of a happy, cheerful women with the love of family and friends. Her love for bowling and organization was profound. We will miss her.
