Donald L. Coleman, 78, of Beaumont, passed away Friday, December 23, 2005 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He is now feasting at a heavenly banquet with his family, friends and Jesus Christ.
Don was born May 2, 1927 in Boston, Massachusetts. He served in the United States Coast Guard and as a Sergeant in the United States Army as part of the occupying forces in Japan following the Japanese surrender in World War II. After his military service, Don graduated from the University of Alabama and embarked on a thirty-five year career as an insurance adjuster with Crawford and Company. While based in Houston, he met and married Celia Dominguez; they moved to moved to Beaumont in 1956 where they raised two children and enjoyed fifty years of marriage.
He is survived by his wife, Celia; his son, Alan Coleman and his wife Julie and their three sons, Steven, Chris and John; his daughter, Michelle Stone and her husband Ron and their two daughters, Madeline and Caroline; and by innumerable friends and loved ones.
Don was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Don loved fishing with his friends and children. He spent countless hours gardening and hand-picking the weeds out of his yard. Don loved his grandchildren and even late into his illness, he was on the sidelines for the boys and attended parties and school events for the girls. Don supported countless charitable organizations. He was proud of his service to the Rotary Club of Beaumont, Knights of the Neches and the Friends of the Arts at Lamar University.
Pallbearers will be Dr. Fred Bessell, Anthony Asta, Lipscomb Norvell, Steven Coleman, Chris Coleman, John Coleman, Pat Bell and Vernon Dean.
A gathering of family and friends will be from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 27, 2005 at the Coleman Family Home. Memorial services will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, December 28, 2005 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Interment will follow at St. Mark’s Columbarium.
Memorial contributions may be made in Don’s memory to the Art Department of All Saint’s Episcopal School, 4108 Delaware, Beaumont, Texas 77706 or Lamar University Friends of the Arts, P. O. Box 10011, Beaumont, Texas 77710.
