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Willis Gene Coburn, Sr.
Born: 8/23/1936
Died: 5/3/2025
Age: 88
Community: Port Charlotte, FL
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COBURN, Willis Gene Sr. - Of Port Charlotte, Florida, age 88, died Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Sarasota, Florida.
Funeral service will be held 12 Noon Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint. Hank Messing officiating.
Visitation 2-8pm Friday and 10am Saturday until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Burial in Evergreen Cemetery.
Willis was born in Wilson, Arkansas, and graduated from West Memphis High School in 1954, where he played football. Shortly after graduation, he moved to Flint, Michigan, and began his career with General Motors. On November 23, 1955, he married the love of his life, Emma L. Higgerson, in Angola, Indiana.
Willis completed an apprenticeship as a Dye Tryout and took immense pride in his work. Throughout his career, he was dedicated to improving workplace processes through the Suggestion Program. He retired proudly in 1987 from Plant 38 of Chevrolet Manufacturing.
An avid bowler, Willis participated in men’s leagues and mixed doubles with Emma in the Flint area. One of his proudest achievements was bowling two perfect 300 games. He and Emma also enjoyed visiting casinos and playing Euchre with friends and family, especially with Emma’s late sister Verla and brother-in-law Hank Wheeler.
Willis was a devoted father to his four children, taking pride in supporting them and being involved in their many activities. He was equally proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, celebrating their accomplishments and cherishing every moment spent together.
In 1987, Willis and Emma relocated to Florida for retirement. There, they continued bowling, spent time at the beach searching for shark’s teeth, and made many new friends. He found joy fishing the waters of Lake Okeechobee with his friend “The Preacher,” never letting his fear of snakes and alligators keep him from bringing home the “catch of the day.”
Later in life, Willis developed a passion for woodworking, spending countless hours in his backyard shed and garage crafting meaningful gifts for loved ones. He was also an active member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and proudly supported the restoration of its pipe organ.
Willis is survived by his children, Willis G. Jr. (son); Mary L. Wilson (daughter) and her partner Jay H. Boone; David B. (son) and daughter-in-law Anne Marie; Patricia A. Dearlove (daughter) and son-in-law Alan. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Michael Coburn and wife Meagen; Amanda Wilcox and fiancée Jay Szymanski; Matthew Dearlove and wife Kelly, Bryan Coburn and partner Katie LeForce; and Tara Shaw and husband Jacob. His great-grandchildren include Maximus, Wesley, Audrey, Crosby, Arlo, Caroline, Hazel, Emma, and Isla.
He is also lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews; beloved family friends Bob Ruddy and his children, Rob Ruddy and Kate Sylvester, and her son Beckett; and April Kalisik, daughter of his special companion Betty Bostwick.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Talitha Coburn; his beloved wife, Emma; brothers Cecil Jr., Curtis, Marion, and John; sisters Ludien, Catherine, and Betty; his grandson, Justin D. Coburn; and special companion, Betty Bostwick.
Special thanks to PAM Acute Specialty Hospital, Sarasota, FL, and to his closest friends and neighbors: Jimmy and Cathy Cox, Joey and Ann Mellow, and Steve and Pat Parisi.
Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com
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Copyright © 2025 Direct Obits, LLC
| Visitation |
| Date: |
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5/9/2025 |
| Time: |
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2:00 PM |
| Visitation 2-8pm Friday and 10am Saturday until the time of the service at the funeral home. |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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5/10/2025 |
| Time: |
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12:00 PM |
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| Location: |
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Swartz Funeral Home & Cremation Center
1225 West Hill Road
Flint, MI 48507Get a Map to this location...
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| Official: |
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