Henry C. "Hank" Coburn, was born June 1, 1918 in Sapulpa , Ok. He was the son of the late Leander and Oney Coburn. He graduated from Drumright High School where he was a star football player and team captain. In 1947, he graduated from Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. He was a Phi Chi Phi, a member of the Blue Key Honorary Fraternity, and vice-president of the Student Council. He played football at OCU and Arkansas A&M at Monticello where he was in Officer's Training School. Hank was a Marine Lt. during WWII and served in the Korean War as a Captain. While in training, he coached a black Marine football team while stationed at Montfort Point, N.C. He also played football in the Oil Bowl in Houston, TX. as part of a Marine team at Arkansas A&M. While aboard a Korea bound ship during the Korean War, Coburn received top secret orders to study and teach chemical and germ warfare at Treasure Island, Ca. He loved photography. One of his photos was acquired by the Smithsonian Institute after winning top honors in a Marine sponsored contest. He was a chemist for General Mills for 10 years and an Oklahoma Grain Inspector and General Manager of Garrison Grain Elevators for 35 years, also Gulfway Elevators and was vice-president of Logan County Farm Enterprises. Coburn had served as chairman of the Elders at University Place Christian Church, and was a deacon at Crown Heights Christian Church. He was a member of First Christian Church of OKC where he had also been a deacon.

Coburn is survived by his wife of 49 years, Thelma Joslyn Coburn, and son, James Coburn of the home; his daughters, Cathalene Grellner of OKC and Cheryl Hamilton of Edmond. He is also survived by 1 grandson, 4 granddaughters and 1 great granddaughter; 3 brothers and 4 sisters, and was preceded in death by a brother, Roy Coburn of Calif. He loved his family and church and was respected by all who knew him. He lived his life with love, dignity and courage.

Services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, Jun e 27, 1994 at the Hahn-Cook/ Street & Draper Chapel. Interment at Rose Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Jerry Johnson Fund at First Christian Church of OKC

 

Complied and transcribed by Marti Graham, 2010.