Julius "Red" Coleman

Red was the founder of what became one of Dallas’s most notable liquor store chains in the post–World War II era. He moved to Dallas with his family when he was 9 years old. Even as a youth, he demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit — delivering newspapers and selling sodas at sporting events. At the age of 14 he met his future wife, Frances, and it was love at first sight. Julius graduated from Forest Avenue High School and attended UT Arlington. Shortly after their marriage in 1943, Julius joined the Army and served in England and France during WW II.

After returning from the Army, he and his wife Frances opened their first liquor store, Red Coleman’s, on Forest Avenue in Dallas. This marked the beginning of what would grow to over 30 liquor and convenience store locations.

Red was a leader and innovator in the Texas and national liquor store industry, and honored with many distinctions and awards. He served as president of both the Texas and the National Package Store Associations.

He was one of the original founders of Dallas Crime Stoppers. He was a former president of Congregation Shearith Israel.

He was a source of inspiration and advice to his family, friends and employees. He enjoyed spending time with family, socializing with friends, and traveling the world with his beloved wife.

Julius is predeceased by his loving wife of almost 80 years, Frances, his daughter, Janeen Kelminson, his sisters, Lee Margolis and Bess Cohen (Morris), sister-in- law and brother-in-law, Ruthie and Bernard Levy, his brother-in-law, Eugene Zale, and his son-in-law, Joey Lichtenstein. He is survived by his children, Andrea Donsky (Cal), Ronnie Coleman (Julie), Wendy Coleman, sister-in-law Ethel Zale, son-in-law Marc Kelminson, grandchildren Amy Aftergut (Kent), Matt Lichtenstein, Ryan Coleman (Liz), Blake Coleman (Alanah), Nicole Glass (Justin), Michael Kelminson, Greg Kelminson (Sophie), Justin Utay (Barbara), Brendan Goldaber, and 15 great grandchildren and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Mark Fleschler, Komi Golo and Helga Leonard for their devoted care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Congregation Shearith Israel.