David Paul Coman passed away at his home in Tulsa on June 14, 2013. He was born on March 28, 1930, to Paul and Sylvia (Urich) Coman. He leaves behind a host of friends and family. He is preceded in death by his parents; his oldest son, Jim Coman and granddaughter, Christine Coman; his sisters: Elizabeth Causey and JoElla Britton; his brother-in-law, William Causey, Jr. and his nephew William Causey III.
He is survived by his wife, Lois Ann (Hoagland) Coman; his sons: John Coman, Carl Coman, Doug Coman, Clyde Coman, and daughters, Cindy Coman and Karen Slankard (all of Tulsa). He also leaves behind son-in-law, Jon Slankard; daughters-in-law: Mary Kevin Coman, Susan Coman, Mary Coman, Judy Coman and Sheila Coman; In addition David is survived by 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
David was raised in Tulsa and graduated from Marquette High School in 1947. After high school, he served in the Korean War as a forward observer in the U.S. Marine Corps where he was awarded a Purple Heart.
David had a long career in the foundry and pattern business and served as president of Big Four Foundries Corp. and Coman Pattern Works for more than 50 years. He employed hundreds of people over the years in those businesses as well as several smaller companies.
David's racing career started with drag racing on 15th Street when he was only 15. He began racing again in more legal settings beginning with stock cars at the Tulsa Fairgrounds Raceway. He later joined the Sports Car Club of America – first racing an Austin Healy Sprite and later an Alfa Romeo Spider. He continued his car enthusiasm after retiring from racing with a wide-collection of automobiles that included models of nearly every car he ever owned.
David and Lois Ann shared a deep gratitude for Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon and the effect that the programs have had in their lives.
Decades ago David Coman had the poem, Man in the Glass, prominently displayed in his office. The poem is about facing the mirror and reflecting on life. It very much depicts how David tried to live his own life. Whether it was in dealing with employees, customers, friends or family – honesty, fairness, and his treatment of people were always at the forefront of his thoughts.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Catherine Building Fund, 4532 S. 25th W. Ave., Tulsa, OK 74107 or Alzheimers Association Oklahoma, 2448 E. 81st St., Ste 3000, Tulsa, OK 74137.
The family would like to thank Saint Francis Hospice for their loving and supportive care. Friends will be received on Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Southwood Colonial Chapel. Funeral services 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2013, at Southwood Colonial Chapel, 3612 E. 91st St. So. with interment at Calvary Cemetery.
Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918.291.3500.