The history, literature and philosophy sections of the Crawfordsville Library will no doubt be far quieter, as Chris Coahran has peacefully passed from his earthly life on Oct. 20, 2026, in Lafayette, from complications of heart disease and kidney failure.
Chris was born Nov. 19, 1962, in Culver Hospital in Crawfordsville, to Donald C. Coahran and Judith Keller Coahran, both who preceded him in death. Also predeceasing Chris were his grandparents, including his special granny, Eleanor Rutan Keller.
In his early life, Chris was a gifted athlete in track, football and basketball, leaving his mark at North Montgomery High School. Chris likely inherited his athletic gifts from his father and his grandmother, Helen Toney Coahran, who were also athletes in Montgomery County. Chris’ employment included RR Donnelly, Hi-Tech and Nucor.
Chris was prolific in conversation and he studied Arisotle, Socrates, Plato, Machiavelli and Nietzche. He was notorious for using his self created vocabulary words like: “Shweet” and “coolio,” and in the next sentence using words so big and obscure that his friends had to look them up in the dictionary! Chris read Thoreau at 12 years old, which lead him to Muir and then daisy chained him to Hawthorne, Irving and Twain and many other classics. His favorite book was: “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
Besides a great love for knowledge, ideas and literature, Chris also had a great love for music. He saw many bands from Mellencamp to Molly Hatchet, and he took pride in having high fived Tommy Shaw (Styx).
Most of all, Chris loved deeply, whether it was family, friends or his beloved pets. Once he loved you, it didn’t matter if you spoke daily, or not for years and years — he held everyone he ever loved near and dear to his heart, always.
Chris’ philosophy was: “Treat the world good and it will treat you better.” To that end, his final act was choosing to be an organ donor.
Survivors include siblings, Joseph Coahran (Lisa), Donald Coahran Jr. and Angela Coahran (David Mayotte). Chris was also survived by numerous dear friends, who he considered family, and by special friend and guardian angel, Mary Margaret Cherry.
At Chris’ request, he will be cremated and there will be no public memorial service.
Those wishing to honor the life of Chris can make a donation to the Montgomery County Animal Welfare League, 1104 Big 4 Arch Road or to the Crawfordsville District Public Library, 205 S. Washington St., both at Crawfordsville, IN 47933.
