Pebay signs to honor Coffman, Wood
City park signs were auctioned in the last edition of the Peabody Main Street Association newsletter in the Peabody Gazette-Bulletin.
The Sports Complex sign was purchased by Brent Coffman in honor of his father, Robert Coffman.
Fresh out of the Army, Peabody gave Coach Coffman his start in 1954. His football team finished 4-4-1 the first year. In the second year he coached an improving team to 6-3. The dominant teams then took over in 1956 with 8-0, 1957 with 7-1, and in his final year at Peabody, they finished 9-0 in 1958.
The Wichita Eagle rated Peabody the top class B team in the state for an unofficial state championship. These were times before playoffs and state recognition through the KSHSA.
Bob went on to coach and teach in Newton, Wichita North, and retired at Wichita Northwest where as athletic director, he served as national president of the Athletic Director Association.
Bob continues to be in contact with Peabody classes by attending reunions and keeping friendships established 50 years ago.
The Circle Drive signs were purchased in memory of Pat Wood by some of his friends. The signs will continue to read "Vet Actor Lane" and "Pat Wood Blvd."
Patrick W. Wood was born Feb. 21, 1955, to Richard Wood Sr. and Patsy Ann Gibbs Wood. He spent many summers as a child in Peabody visiting his grandparents, Ruby and Albert Gibbs. After his mother died, Pat moved from California to Peabody to live with his grandparents.
"Pat really loved this town," commented Carol Grosse about her friend. "He loved Peabody history and was proud of his heritage. His grandfather was one of the Gibbs Brothers who built several bridges throughout the area." Pat also enjoyed acting in Peabody Historical Society skits and community plays.
He died Feb. 12, 2003.
