BENTON — George Kirby Coffman,

79, passed away peacefully Feb. 27, 2021, in Benton, Ark. George was born Dec. 16, 1941, in Harrison, Ark., the son of the late Jay Raymond Coffman and Bertha (Dobbs) Coffman.

George was a graduate of Harrison High School and attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

George was an avid Razorback fan and for years he attended both basketball and football games.

George was a member of First Baptist Church of Benton for over 20 years.

In 1973, George’s friends set him up on a blind date with his future wife, Janice (Harber) Coffman. He quickly fell in love with her and her 6-year-old son Chris Melton. They were married Dec. 21, 1973, and lived in Fayetteville until 1979 when they moved to Benton, Ark., Shortly before moving to Benton, they had a son, Jonathan Coffman.

George is survived by wife Janice Coffman; son Dr. Chris Melton and wife Susan (Rogers) Melton of Little Rock; son Jonathan Coffman and wife Karla (DePriest) Coffman of Benton; and grandchildren Brooke Melton of Little Rock, Riley Melton of Little Rock, Bree Coffman of Benton and Ethan Coffman of Benton.

George was a civilian employee of the Arkansas State Police for two years. He worked for the Washington County Sheriff’s Department for three years.

He spent seven years with the Fayetteville Police Department. He also worked for the Arkansas Highway Police and retired from there as a major after over 30 years employment.

George became a member of the Washington County Masonic Lodge in 1971. He

became a member of the Pulaski Heights Masonic Lodge in 2000. George was past grand high priest in the York Rite, grand master of Arkansas Masons, and a 33-degree Scottish Rite Mason.

The family would like to thank Kindred Hospice and all medical staff that have cared for George during the last three years.

Visitation will be held at noon March 8, 2021 at Ashby Funeral Home of Benton, Ark., with funeral services beginning at 1 pm. Burial at Pinecrest Cemetery will directly follow the service. Dr. Rick Grant will be officiating the service.

In lieu of flowers please place donations to the Special Olympics or the McDonald House.

Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.