Robert Coffeen Obituary

Robert Charles (Bob) Coffeen passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in Lawrence, KS. He was born April 18, 1932, in Chicago, IL, to Michael Mortimer (Mort) and Roberta Carter Coffeen. He grew up in Chicago and Mattoon, IL, raised primarily by his grandparents, Robert and Hazel Carter.

After graduating from Mattoon High School in 1949, he headed to the University of Illinois. He graduated in 1953 with a degree in electrical engineering. He was a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity, and he kept life-long friendships from his college days.

On July 31, 1953, he married the love of his life, Joanne Banks Coffeen, in Mission, KS. They then moved to Fort Devens, MA, where he reported for active duty in the U.S. Army as a radio engineering officer.

After completing his service, Bob and Joanne returned to the Kansas City area. For several years he did electrical design for power stations and was the field engineer for the construction of a coal-fired power station. He then joined Burns & McDonnell Engineering, which had received the commission to do the electrical and mechanical design for Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C. The firm asked him to handle the communications design as he was the only engineer with a communications background. This led to the design of an audio paging system for the new airport terminal building. He entered the sound system design field almost by accident.

Bob founded R.C. Coffeen & Associates in 1964, consulting in Electro-Acoustics and Industrial Control Systems. Following the mentorship of Dr. C. Paul Boner, Bob began employing a sound system equalization method on several projects. His firm then took off and expanded!

The company continued through the years as Coffeen Anderson Fricke & Associates, later as Coffeen Fricke & Associates, Inc., Consultants in Acoustics and Audio-Visual Communications. Bob was renowned for his research in acoustical engineering, particularly stadiums and performance venues. Key projects included the original sound systems for Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead Station (GEHA Field). He was particularly proud of work done for arenas, stadiums, and churches across the United States, including Yardley Hall and Polsky Theatre at Johnson County Community College.

Bob's skills were known internationally, resulting in many journeys around the globe. He was also a private pilot and at one point, the firm owned two airplanes. Flying was a great joy of Bob's. The firm was later purchased and continues today as AVANT Acoustics in Lenexa, KS.

Bob resigned in 1995 so he could continue with his instruction in architectural acoustics at the University of Kansas. He was an adjunct faculty member with the School of Architecture until his retirement in 2017. In KU's classrooms and labs, he worked with students in designing acoustics for planned or existing buildings and facilities. He taught them how to use computer modeling and auralization programs. A highlight of many years was an annual trip with students to Chicago for company and building tours. Former students and colleagues honored him with the Jack and Nancy Bradley Student Recognition Award. He also received an Excellence in Teaching Award, chosen by undergraduate students in KU's Architectural Engineering department.

Bob received many industry honors throughout his career. He was named the 2006 National Systems Contractors Association Educator of the Year. He received the Rossing Prize as the nation's top educator in acoustics by the Acoustical Society of America where he was a life member. Bob was a life member of the Audio Engineering Society and a Life Member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers.

Bob and Joanne were married for almost 69 years. She passed away on July 17, 2022. They raised their family in Roeland Park and Leawood, Kansas. Together they taught round dancing and appreciated many years of traveling around the country to festivals. They also enjoyed several overseas trips throughout Europe and the United Kingdom with dear friends. Bob and Joanne were active members at Countryside Christian Church in Mission and later at Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village.

Bob was a true artist. He was an accomplished educator and loved his work. He always said that his grandmother, Hazel, helped set him on the right path. His determination and persistence, from a humble beginning in Chicago, led to an outstanding career.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Sharon Leatherman (Terry); Lawrence, KS; his son, Paul Coffeen (Margie), Austin, TX; four grandchildren – Robin Leatherman (Mohamed Aly), Lawrence; John Coffeen (Megan), Austin; Robert Coffeen, Austin, and Kelly Leatherman, Chicago. He had three great-grandchildren – Layla and Zayna Aly of Lawrence, and Mason Coffeen of Austin. He is also survived by his sister, Julie Rudawsky of Park Ridge, IL. The family would also like to thank the staff of Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living and Ascend Hospice for their excellent care and support.

A celebration of life visitation will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 11:00 ~ 1:00 p.m., at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, with brief comments by the family at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Acoustical Society Foundation Fund, in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.