Joanne Banks Coffeen

Joanne Banks Coffeen, age 92, passed away July 17, 2022, in Lawrence, KS.  Joanne was born on June 5, 1930, in Tulsa, OK, to Curt R. and Norma Kindley Banks.  She was an only child, much beloved by her parents.

Around 1933, Curt’s work with Crown Drug Company led the family to Kansas City, Missouri.  Joanne attended grade school in Kansas City and later at Roesland Grade School after moving to Fairway, KS.  Joanne graduated from Shawnee Mission High School (later Shawnee Mission North) in 1948.  She spent vacations visiting extended family in Northwest Arkansas, the original home of her parents.

Joanne completed two years at the Junior College of Kansas City and finished her college education at the University of Kansas where she majored in fashion and merchandising, graduating in 1952.  Joanne often spoke of her happy times at KU, particularly her membership in Alpha Phi Sorority.   She was recognized as a 50-year member of Alpha Phi and loved her sorority sisters very much.

While at KU Joanne met the love of her life, Robert C. (Bob) Coffeen of Chicago.  They married on July 31, 1953, at Countryside Christian Church in Mission, KS.  They moved to Fort Devens, MA, while Bob served in the U.S. Army, and later returned to Kansas City.  Joanne worked in merchandising at Macy’s and Harzfeld’s before starting a family.

Bob and Joanne raised their family in Roeland Park and Leawood, KS.  They spent time flying in Bob’s private aircraft to Bob’s work projects throughout the United States.  They also enjoyed several overseas adventures with dear friends.   Bob and Joanne had a wonderful time teaching round dancing and traveled throughout the country for dancing events.

The couple were active at Countryside Christian Church for many years.  They later joined Village Presbyterian Church.

Bob and Joanne moved to Lawrence, KS, in 2013 to be closer to family and to Bob’s teaching post at KU.

Joanne is survived by her husband, Bob, of Lawrence, KS; a daughter, Sharon Leatherman (Terry), Lawrence; a son, Paul Coffeen (Margie), Austin, TX; four grandchildren – John Coffeen (Megan), Austin; Robin Leatherman (Mohamed Aly), Lawrence; Robert Coffeen, Austin, and Kelly Leatherman, Chicago, IL; and a great-granddaughter, Layla Aly.

Private interment is planned.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Kansas City Alpha Phi Alumnae Chapter and sent in care of Linda Gallagher, 7804 Monrovia St., Lenexa, KS 66216, or via PayPal at kcaphis@yahoo.com or may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13^th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.