Donald Lee Coleman

Donald was born in Modesto, CA on January 18, 1933. He is survived by his wife of 36 years Glenda Coleman, Children - Linda Cook, Richard Coleman, Deborah Ingersoll, Dawn Lout. Stepchildren - Tracy (Jeff) Archa, William Christopher Jr, Donald (Autumn) Christopher, Kirsten (Jason) Crarry. Grandchildren – Eric (Donna) Cook, Deserae Cook, Rachael Cook, Richard (Laly) Gagnon, Bobby Gagnon, Jennifer (Casey) Bettencourt, Joseph Dumont, David (Kimberly) Sellers, Curtis (Elizabeth) Ingersoll, Andrea (Kylie) Beren, Anthony (Jennifer) Ingersoll, Robert (Jacqueline) Walther, Amber Standridge, Paul (Julie) Lara, Mike Lara, Phillip Lout Jr., Sunnie (Ryan) Frey. Step-Grandchildren – Troy Christopher, William T Christopher, Dylan Volkmar Christopher, Mathew Elgin, Kylee Crarry, Addyson Christopher, Colton Christopher, Austin Christopher, Jaxson Christopher. Great Grandchildren – Trevor (Emily Cook, Branden Karran) Cook, Lance Cook, Byron Gagnon, Keely Sellers, Evan Bettencourt, Emma Bettencourt, Eric Silveria, Cyress Ingersoll, Nicholas Ingersoll, Tony Rocha, Dylan Choate, Paige Ingersoll, Gavin Ingersoll, Chase Baer, Oliver Baer, Grayson Beren, Cody Walther, Weston Walther, Madison Walther, AJ Torres, Dustin Lara, Kinsley Lara, Bennett Lara, Alyssa Frey, Bristin Frey, Casin Frey. Step-Great Grandchildren – Parker, Sophie and Lillie Christopher. One Great Great Grandchild – Hazel Cook. He was preceded in death by his parents and 4 brothers, daughter - Sandra Sellers, step granddaughter - Shelby Christopher, grandson - Justin Lout.

Donald served in the military (USN) from 1951 to 1971. He served during the Korean and Vietnam wars on several ships and retired from the USS Prairie. After his military service he started Donald L Coleman Trucking in AZ then in 1984 in CA he incorporated as Coleman Transportation. After a successful run in the trucking industry, he retired in 1999. He spent time listening and dancing to old-style country music. He enjoyed traveling in his RV, meeting up with friends and family throughout the US. He loved watching and playing golf and working in his yard. Most of all he loved his family and the great friends he acquired over the many years of his career and in retirement.

Don’s daughter Dawn Elaine: When he retired from the Navy I was 5 years old and I remembered my dad walking down the ship with all the military saluting him. I felt she was really blessed to have a great man as her father.

Don’s daughter Debbie shared: I remember when I was in kindergarten, I went in the morning. Dad would pick me up and we would go home, and he usually made grilled cheese or biscuits and gravy, then he’d take me to daycare and go to work. Sometimes he took me to work with him. Seems like last year.

Don’s Stepson Willie shared: Don and I shared many memories over the years especially over the last 10 years. The one that he thinks about most is when they decided to change the brakes on the golf cart. We purchased the parts (Just the brake shoes and springs) which is something we had both done. AS we started Don took his usual supervisor’s role and we got it done. We drove down the street and the brakes seemed tight, but we thought the lining would wear off and it would be fine. Unfortunately, when he went out to golf the next day he had to be towed in after a few holes. The drag on the brakes ran the batteries down. We laughed together and fixed it.

Don’s Stepdaughter Kirsten shared: Don never had much of a sweet tooth except for his nightly Peppermint Patty and a piece coconut pie now and then. One easter 2 to 3 years ago there was some left-over jellybeans and Mom set a candy dish on the counter for everyone to snack on. Every time Don would walk by he would grab a few and by the end of the day they were gone. He kept asking who ate all the jellybeans. The next my daughter Kylee had left her bag of jellybeans sitting on the table and Don thought it was jelly beans so he snuck into the bag only to find it was gum disguised as jelly beans. Later that day he confessed, and we all just laughed. Since then jellybeans was always added as a gift on any special occasions for him.

Don’s Stepdaughter Tracy shared: He always made a point of asking about my work and listening intently giving me a sense he was proud of my career accomplishments.

Don’s Stepson Donald shared: I remember when Don asked me to clean and organize his tools and the shop at the Hughson home. He told me he was proud of me for finishing and that I did great. He also taught me how to use the tractor to scrape the road down to the river and asked me if I knew how to swim and then pushed me in the pool. The last time we were here to visit he carried his boots out and asked what size shoes the boys wore. He said if the boots fit you can have them. He taught me how to have integrity in my work as a young person which has helped me through my life.

A viewing will be held at Lakewood Memorial in Hughson, CA on August 7, 2024, between 4 PM and 8 PM with a memorial service on August 8, 2024, at 10 AM in the Heritage Chapel at Lakewood Memorial in Hughson, CA followed by a short military graveside service and reception.