Thomas Francis Coleman

Thomas Francis Coleman, Professor Emeritus, passed away on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 in his home in Bloomington, Indiana surrounded by family members. Tom, age 88 was born on February 26, 1934, to Joseph Louis Coleman and Agnes Kammerer Coleman in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was one of seven children. Following graduation from Washington High School (Class of 1952), Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy later that year and was stationed on the U.S.S. Peterson and attended Class A School in Washington DC. He served for four years and completed his reserve obligation in August of 1960. Tom received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (Graphic Design) in 1961 and a Master of Fine Arts from Yale University (Graphic Design) in 1963. He held the position of Graphic Designer, Styling Staff, at General Motors in Warren, MI and Senior Graphic Designer at IBM in Rochester, MN. In the spring of 1971, he accepted an Associate Professor and Head of Graphic Design faculty position teaching at Indiana University, School of Fine Arts, Bloomington, IN. He served as Chairman of the Fine Arts Department 1976 to 1980 and Professor of Graphic Design. Tom served a sabbatical with the National Endowment for the Arts as Liaison Officer to the Civil Service Commission, Program Action Officer, “Excellence Attracts Excellence” in Washington DC in 1974 and 1975. He continued as Professor and Head of Graphic Design area until his retirement in 1997. Students were a major focus and priority for Tom. He remained in contact with many of them following their graduation and his retirement. Tom married Pat Williams on May 14, 1988; and together they blended their families. Their 34-year-marriage was filled with love, travel, and joyful experiences. Many organizations, both local and national, benefitted from Tom’s service, including, but not limited to, the American Red Cross, the City of Bloomington, Indiana Historical Society, Indiana University, John Deere and Company, Monroe County Democrats, NAACP, Presidential Commission on Education in Rehabilitation, Federal Design Council, U.S. Civil Service Commission, the National Zoological Foundation, the American Legion, City Bloomington Arts Commission, and the George Archer Foundation. Tom work tirelessly on more than 40 political campaigns. Tom was recognized as the Tree Steward of the Year, by the Indiana Urban Forest Council in 2004, National Zoological Park, Outstanding Contributions Award in 1987, and the recipient of multiple Yale University scholarships. His work was exhibited internationally and published often, including appearances in Art Direction Magazine, Communication Arts Magazine, Industrial Design Magazine, and Print Magazine. He was the Editor/Co-Publisher of BloomINgton Monthly Magazine from 1975 to 1996, and designed the original logo and identity programs for the Bloomington Transit Authority and the City of Columbus, Columbus, IN. Tom Coleman is survived by his wife, Pat Williams of Bloomington, IN; children Beth Coleman Valdettaro (Edward) of Zionsville, IN; Heidi Coleman Burton (Walter) of Tipp City, OH; Erick Coleman (Missy) of Athens, OH; Susan Coleman Snyder (David) of Mooresville, IN; Megan Williams vanEijk (Rob) of San Jose, CA; Matthew Williams (Debra) of Louisville, CO; Michael Williams of Los Angeles, CA; Chris Williams (Jessica) of Cotopaxi, CO, ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Also surviving are siblings Rita Coleman Langer (William) of Omro, WI, and William Coleman (Sandra) of Zimmerman, MN. Tom’s family wishes to thank the staff at SouthernCare Hospice Services for their outstanding care and assistance. A Celebration of Life in honor of Tom Coleman will take place Saturday, June 25, 2022 at the Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Contributions in the name of Tom Coleman can be made to the donor’s favorite charity. Online condolences may be given at www.DayDeremiahFrye.com