Cover photo for Terrel 'Terry' Edward Coburn's Obituary
Terrel 'Terry' Edward Coburn Profile Photo
1943 Terrel 2020

Terrel 'Terry' Edward Coburn

October 13, 1943 — March 30, 2020

Terrel Edward Coburn, age 76, passed away Monday, March 30, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loved ones. Terry was born October 13, 1943, the son of Richard Edward and Muriel Marie (Oldacre) Coburn. Terry was brought up in Fulton, Michigan as a single child, but had so many great friends that always gathered at his home. He attended and graduated from Vicksburg Community Schools in 1961. Terry was a Mason for over 50 years. He and his father joined together and both became 32nd degree Masons. Terry enjoyed working on cars, playing football and baseball, hunting and hanging out with his friends and family. In 1964, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He did his basic and supplemental training at MCRD in San Diego, Ca. He was a sergeant and worked as a radio technician. While visiting his cousins in San Diego, he first met Sally Ann (Bruggema) the love of his life, but it was only a friendship in the beginning. Terry was deployed to Vietnam in 1966-67. Terry and Sally wrote letters while he was overseas. Shortly after his return the two started to date. After a few months, Terry officially proposed and gave Sally an engagement ring at the Marine Corps Ball on November 10, 1967. Terry was discharged from the United States Marine Corps in December of 1967 and they married February 23, 1968. Not only did Terry gain a wife that day, but an additional two sisters and four brothers. Terry was not just a brother-in-law to them; he was a true brother. Terry and Sally moved to Fulton, MI in 1968. He worked for Rieth Riley Asphalt and for Krum's Chevrolet as a mechanic. He attended KVCC and during that time ended up taking a job there in 1970. Terry later received his Associate's Degree. He worked at KVCC for 38 years as the Supervisor of Media Services and as a part time faculty member teaching applied electricity classes at night.

Terry started his love for serving his community by being part of the Wakeshma Volunteer Fire Department for many years. He began volunteering at Vicksburg Little League in 1976. He started coaching, served on grounds crew, served on the board, but most of all found his passion for umpiring softball. He umpired many local, district, regional and state games as well as the Big League Softball World Series games. He also participated in umpiring in tournaments all over the country and in Canada. Terry was part of the Little League District 2 and 15 boards as Chief Umpire. He put on many local and regional umpiring clinics. Terry also umpired softball at the high school and collegiate level. It wasn't just the umpiring for Terry. He enjoyed teaching others, getting to know the players and trying his best to always be fair. Terry stopped umpiring due to health issues, but it did not stop him from attending the games. He remained on the Vicksburg Little League board and volunteered for 43 years.

Terry and Sally had two children, Scott Edward and Kathleen (Katie) Ann Coburn. He was a beloved father, who was active in their lives. He was loving, always supportive, kind and taught his children the meaning of family. Family was the most important thing to Terry. Scott and his wife, Jennifer (Purkiss) Coburn, provided Terry with his two most precious gifts, his granddaughters, Aubrey Grace and Ashlen Marie. Terry showed his love of being a grandfather by providing unconditional love, corny jokes and the best hugs.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents Richard (Dick) and Muriel Coburn.

He will be so deeply missed by his loving wife Sally, son Scott and Jennifer (Purkiss) Coburn, daughter Kathleen (Katie) Coburn and grandchildren Aubrey and Ashlen Coburn.

A private funeral was held Thursday April 2, 2020 at Langeland Funeral Home in Kalamazoo, MI. There will be a public Celebration of Life Memorial on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at 1:00 PM at the Vicksburg Little League Field, 300 N 4th Street, Vicksburg, Michigan 49097. The family will greet friends two hours prior from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the field. The family requests those attending wear bright colors and bring a lawn chair to sit.

Donations in Terry's memory may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or Vicksburg Little League.

Please visit Terry's personalized online guestbook at https://www.langelands.com
To order memorial trees in memory of Terrel 'Terry' Edward Coburn, please visit our tree store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Memorial Visitation

Saturday, August 8, 2020

11:00am - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

Vicksburg Little League Field

300 North 4th Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097

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Memorial Service

Saturday, August 8, 2020

Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

Vicksburg Little League Field

300 North 4th Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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