Donald LeRoy Coleman, Sr., 80, passed away April 12, 2018 after a lengthy illness. He was born on October 25, 1937 in Greenfield, OH to Charles, Sr. and Susie (Jackson) Coleman.
He married Ann L. Byrd May 31, 1959 in Greenfield, OH. They moved to Dayton, OH and started a family. After serving 25 years in the U.S. Army, he retired from military service in 1992. In 1993 he was the Founder and President of the Lincoln Chapter of MADDADS. He retired and completely closed his Lincoln chapter due to health issues.
Throughout the years, he wore many hats. A community leader and social activist, Reverend Don was just as dedicated to eradicating gang-violence and neighborhood crime, as he was to mentoring males and building the family unit. This is most evident in his actions as president of the Mad Dads and Chaplin of University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln High School, Lincoln Police Department and Lincoln Fire Department. ‘The Rev,’ as he was affectionately known, served as a dedicated minister for several churches over 20 years. He truly practiced what he preached.
A man of many talents, he performed everything he did in excellence; with wit, strategy, forgiveness, and tenacity. A few of his many honorable mentions include serving us in Viet Nam, playing for the Negro National Baseball League, running the US Olympic torch, and hosting multiple radio broadcasts. He never ceased to amaze and thus graduated Doane College in 1995 while still caring for his family and setting the example to all of his children about the importance of education, to make and achieve goals, to persevere, and to always do your best. He believed and taught, limitlessness.
Dons supernatural ability to problem-solve and network, broke down many defenses and promoted unity. You may recall a joke or two when his favorite color is, ‘plaid“ or how he’s, ‘good and couldn’t be gooder.’ The Reverend’s personable social-savvy merited many recognitions. Some of which include; 3 keys to the City of Lincoln, 1999 Nebraska Parents of the Year, and 2000 US National Parents of the Year. Perhaps the greatest of all achievements and certainly that which he was most proud, are; winning souls for Christ and being Hero to his beloved family.
He was husband, father, brother, minister, sergeant, President of MAD DADS and he loved his Lord. He loved people, adored his family and never met a stranger.
He is survived by his loving wife Ann L. Coleman, Five children; Donna M. (Herbert) Coker, Robin S. Coleman, Donald L. Coleman, Jr., John C. (Janice) Coleman, Timothy E. Coleman, 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Four brothers; Byron Sr. (Phyllis) Coleman, Fayetteville, NC, Dr. James (Beverly) Coleman, Kalamazoo, MI, Daniel V. Coleman, Greenfield, OH, Ronald D. (Joanne) Coleman, Bellbrook, OH; many nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents, five brothers, four sisters and a great-grandson.
We thank God for all of those that adopted us as mom/dad and grandma/grandpa.
Visitation Friday April 20, 2018 from 3:00pm – 7:00pm at Roper and Sons, 4300 ‘O’ Street with family present from 4:00pm – 6:00pm.
Funeral service Saturday April 21, 2018 at 11:00am. Lincoln Berean Church, 6400 S. 70th, Lincoln, NE.
The burial service will be private for family only, thank you for respecting their wishes.
Memorials in lieu of flowers to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.