TRUMANN Mr. Jack Edwin Coggins Sr., 77, of Trumann, passed away on Saturday, March 31, 2007. He was born Feb. 10, 1930 in Augusta, Ark., to Walter and Elizabeth Coggins. He was a civic leader who loved his family, his church and his community. Mr. Coggins graduated from Holly Grove High School in 1948 and served four years in the U.S. Air Force before being honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. In 1955, he graduated from the University of Tennessee School of Pharmacy in Memphis and joined Campbell Drug Company in Trumann. Upon purchase of the store, it became known as Trumann Drug Company. In 1986, he retired as pharmacist and coowner of Trumann Drug and became co-owner and manager of Option Care in Jonesboro. In 1994, he was elected Mayor of Trumann and served two terms. During his time in office, he was instrumental in the construction of the new fire station, the renovation of the police facility, the purchase of a new municipal building and the construction of the city sports complex. After completion of his terms as mayor, he served Poinsett County as a Justice of the Peace on the Quorum Court. Mr. Coggins was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Jonesboro and a charter member of the Trumann Rotary Club serving as President in 2005-2006. He served on the Executive Board of the Trumann Chamber of Commerce, was named the Outstanding Member in 1985 and served one year as Chairman of the annual Trumann Wild Duck Festival. In 2005, Arkansas Pharmacist Association recognized his 50 years of service to the profession. He was preceded in death by a son, Jerry Edward Coggins in 1988, and his parents. Mr. Coggins is survived by his wife of 56 years, Erin Jackson Coggins; his sons and their wives, Jack Jr. and Sandy Coggins of Batesville; and John and Melissa Coggins, of Cabot. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jason Coggins of Cabot; Jeff Coggins and Courtney of Marion; Sarah and Grace Coggins of Cabot; great-granddaughter, Parker Alexis Coggins of Marion; sisters and spouses; Gail and John Clark of Newport; Joyce and Charles Jarvis of Newport; Carla and George Louck of Texas and Carolyn and Paul Leamon of Searcy. Also surviving are numerous extended family members and friends. Funeral services will be Monday, April 2 at 2:30 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church in Jonesboro with the Reverends David and Patty Schaller officiating with Thompson Funeral Home of Trumann in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church, PMB #201, 405 Southwest Drive, Suite A., Jonesboro, Ark. 72401 or the Trumann Rotary Club C/O the Chamber of Commerce, 225 Hwy. 463 N., Trumann, Ark. 72472. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April l from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Thompsons Funeral Home in Trumann. An online register can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.
