Harold Coleman

Harold (Junior) Coleman, a resident of Port Arthur, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2012, after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born on August 24, 1933 in Abbeville, Louisiana, the eldest child of Dallas Coleman, Jr. and Lorena Guidry Coleman.

Harold entered the United States Army in 1954 and was stationed at Fort George G. Meade in Maryland. There he became a AAA Gunman and earned a Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in late 1956. He returned to Port Arthur, TX and graduated from Lincoln Adult High School.

On February 7, 1959, Harold and Beatrice Marie Labrie were joined in Holy Matrimony. Harold and Beatrice were blessed with 51 years of marriage. Bea and June Bug, as they were affectionately called, were known for being inseparable. They shared an interest in family and enjoyed playing the horses at Delta Downs. They remained married until Beatrice’s death in 2011. Their union was blessed with two children, Gregory Paul and Deborah Ann, of whom he was extremely proud and dearly loved. Countless family memories were created at 729 East 8th Street, where Harold and Beatrice raised their children. He was faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he served as an Usher, and later, St. James’ Catholic Church. Harold went on to achieve his certification as a Grounds Specialist from National Chemsearch and graduated from Lamar State College of Technology as a Surveyor. After many years of hard work, Harold retired from Jefferson County Drainage District Number 7 in the early 1990s. After retirement, Harold enjoyed caring for his grandchildren while their parents worked. He had a passion for smoking, Hershey Bars and gaming.

Harold was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beatrice Marie and by his parents, Dallas and Lorena Coleman. He leaves to cherish his memories, one aunt Mary (Easter) Coleman of Port Arthur; son, Gregory Paul (Nancy) Coleman; daughter, Deborah Ann (Anthony) Hutchison; a nephew he helped raise, Darrell (Leda) Mitchell all of Houston, Texas; Goddaughter, Mary Joyce (Joe) Victor of Port Arthur; two sisters - Barbara (Joseph) Barabin and Maudry Mitchell of Port Arthur, TX; six grandchildren - Greneshia, LaShaundra, LaShaun, Gregory Jr., Gregory III and Nicole; four great grandchildren - Amari, Enyah, Noah, and Kendall; twenty-seven niece, sixteen nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at St. James Catholic Church with a viewing from 9 a.m. until service time. Rosary will be recited at 10:15 a.m. Entombment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.