Tom Charles Coleman

Tommy Charles Coleman was born in McNary, Arizona on December 7th, 1946, to Tommie and Geneva Coleman. Tom moved to Flagstaff, Arizona along with parents in 1951. Tom was known by his nickname of Sonny, Squirrel and Smiley. Tom received his early education at Dunbar and South Beaver Elementary School where he received several sports awards. He attended and graduated from Flagstaff Junior High and Flagstaff High school. He attended Phoenix College, where he played baseball. At Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona, he received a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education. While attending Northern Arizona University, he was involved in NAU sports athletic department. He played baseball in 1967-1971, his team was ranked 6th among NAIA division and Ranked 45th NCAA division, he loved baseball. Tom also attended the University of Las Vegas.

While living in Flagstaff, Tom attended Harbert Chapel A.M.E. Church where he accepted the Lord at an early age. While living in Las Vegas, he attended St Joseph’s Husband of Mary Catholic Church. Tom re-dedicated his life to the Lord in 2011.

While attending NAU he met and married Jan Marsh, to that union was two children Brianna and Nathan Coleman.

Tom began his journey career employment with Las Vegas Clark County School District...Tom Williams Elementary School, Grant Sawyer Middle School, and Rancho High School (Athletic Director). Tom also was the first African American to be hired as a baseball coach at Rancho High School. The 1975 Rancho JV team was one of the best teams in the history of Baseball at Rancho. Tom was one of the coaches that led this group to victory. The 70’s were a decade of incredible baseball for Rancho High School. Tom coached several young men that are now playing in the Major League baseball and other career professions. Tom completed his career in 2008, during that year the Tom Coleman Athletic Complex was dedicated for 35 years of service to Rancho High School. Tom was inducted into the Coaches SNBCA Hall of Fame in May of 2009. He loved baseball! He was also a host for many years for the Adidas Sport Camps Basketball Tournament. He was part of NAU Chain Gang and NAU WayBackJacks which supports NAU athletes and former student athletes.

He was very compassionate for education, and athletics. He knew life is what you make it and legacy is what you leave. To live your life in God's love and respect others, so when your day is over, you do not want to have any regrets. You know you have lived a good life. He was also known as the “rib man.” To his family and the community, he was one of the best of best, when it came to barbecuing ribs and rib tips. He loved satisfying everyone appetites.

Tom went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 20, 2021 (Father’s Day) in Las Vegas, NV. He was preceded in death by his parents Tommie and Geneva Coleman; one sister Deborah Coleman; and one brother Travis Coleman Stanfield.

He leaves to cherish his long-time beautiful love and friend Kathryn Kinnaird of 25 years, and three children Brianna Coleman of Las Vegas, Nevada, Nathan Coleman of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Eric (Lynnett) Kinnaird of Brentwood, California; three granddaughters Krystana Arie Coleman, Ziona Elena Garcia Coleman and Jaelyn Kinnaird; and one grandson Jordan Kinnaird. He also leaves to cherish eight siblings, Linda Coleman-Bryson of Sacramento, California; Elder Lisa Coleman-Jenkins (Joseph) of Surprise, Arizona; Ronald (Laurie) of Phoenix, Arizona; Elder Gregory Coleman (Sharon) of Laveen, Arizona; Michael Coleman of Phoenix, Arizona; Artamus Coleman of Paradise Valley, Arizona; David Coleman of Phoenix, Arizona; James Coleman (Della) of El Centro, California. He leaves to cherish two godson’s Dwight Christopher Conner and Gillian Conner and two goddaughters Aisha Conner and Cassandra Dugan-Adams and many, many host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.