Donald Gaither Coulter

On January 8, 1947 in Lincolnton, North Carolina Donald Gaither Coulter was the sixth child and youngest son born to the union of George W. And Edith M. Coulter, in 1957 the family relocated to Columbus, Ohio. Donald attended Columbus East High School and was proud member of the East High School marching band. He graduated from East High school in 1965 and attended Bliss College. He also attended Columbus School of Art & Design majoring in interior design and received his certification in Heating and Cooling from the school of MTA. Donald was also a very hard worker and stayed employed with Timken for 37 years.

Shortly after high school, Donald worked at Ohio State University Hospital as an orderly, where he met the love of his life Merlene (Mixon) Coulter, whom he dated for two years. The two became best friends and were married in 1967. From their wonderful union, Donald and his wife (Merlene) produced two children La Donna Coulter and Donald Robert Coulter and three precious grandchildren who were his pride and joy; Jamil, India, and Imani.

As a young man, Donald and his siblings shared a love for music. He and his brothers and sister, formed a singing group called “Penny and the Quarters”. They recorded a song entitled “You and Me” in 1970. This song was personally chosen by Ryan Gosling as the premier soundtrack for the movie Blue Valentine. Donald was a willing vessel to assist anyone by singing solos at numerous services, events and occasions. He also participated in several community choirs; The Ecumen, The Wesley United Methodist Choir under the direction of Mike Smith and his personally formed group the DC Gospel Quest. In 2012 Donald had the prestigious honor of sharing the stage singing along with Natalie Cole and Whoopi Goldberg at the Harmony Project.

Donald was a true family man and a strong community supporter, volunteering his time in soup kitchens feeding the homeless, participating in political campaigns, financially assisting those in need, and coordinating community events without complaint. A true servant of God. Donald was a member of Bethany Presbyterian Church for 51 years where he held several positions within the church as Elder/Deacon/Trustee and Session Board. Donald’s dedication and perseverance earned him the “Man of the Year” award three times. After 51 years of services to Bethany he transferred his membership to Trinity Baptist Church. During his time at Trinity he had become fully emerged in ministry singing in choirs and working alongside his wife with the Hospitality committee as well as overseeing of the Stratton House Food pantry.

Donald was also a member of the SOAR (Steelworker’s Organization of Active Retirees Union) where he was activist for Human Rights. He was a regional leader for acorn in Columbus.

He left to cherish his memory, his loving wife Merlene Coulter, his devoted daughter La Donna Coulter Muhammad and dedicated son Donald Robert Coulter, his precious grandchildren Jamil Coulter and twin granddaughters India and Imani Coulter he is survived by brothers Randolph (Jenny) Coulter, William “Preston” (Cora) Coulter Samuel “Freddie” Coulter, John (Beverly) Coulter, sisters Nannie “Penny” (and deceased husband Johnny) Sharpe, Carolyn “Dimples” Coulter, Mother in-law Katherine Lipsey, Sisters-in-law Barbara Brown Thompson, Carol (William) Pryor, Marty Jacson, Vanitia (Curtis) Turner, Rozella Vaughn, Melanie K. Green, cousins Theodus and Franke Ederton, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He is proceeded in death by father and mother, George (Edith) Coulter, sisters Edith Claudette Harper, Mary “Cookie” (Keith) Allen, Mattie “Bunny” (and living husband Richard) Thomas, father-in-law/ step mother-in-law Robert (Cora) Mixon, Brothers-in-law Lennell and James Childs, Karl Wayne Hinkle, Nephew Michael Shawn Coulter and niece Alexis Coulter.

Funeral service will be held 11 am Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at Trinity Baptist Church, 461 St. Clair Ave. Family will receive friends 10 am until the time of service. Interment to follow at Glen Rest Memorial Estate in Reynoldsburg. Arrangements entrusted to Schoedinger East Chapel.