Johnny Ray Coleman

John R “Johnny Ray” Coleman, 55, of Maricopa, AZ, died peacefully at home August 28, 2025. John was a corker since he was born on June 19, 1970 to Virgil and Jeanette (Jan Haner) Coleman in Hamburg, IA. He joined older brother, Virgil Jr, to complete the family. John and his family lived in Magnolia, TX and John dearly loved his pals from the class of 1989 and stayed in touch with some of his teachers. John claimed he worked at every restaurant in Magnolia and Tomball, starting at the age of 13. The family moved to Omaha, NE in the late 1980’s.

John got a Cosmetology degree from Capitol. John had more jobs during his lifetime than could be listed. He spent a great deal of his career in the food industry, giving incredible hairdos at numerous salons, and working in the Healthcare field. He taught many students to do hair at Xenon and was the Director of Cosmetology at Vatterott. Many former students were still in touch with Mr. Coleman. John lived in AZ in the 1990s with his pal Eddie Ellison. When he returned to Omaha, some of his jobs were at Paypal, HyVee, countless hair salons and the job he claimed was his favorite-Brookstone Village in Omaha. John earned a Medical Assisting degree from Kaplan University. In 2010, John and his best pal Thomas moved back to AZ. John worked at Banner HealthCare and numerous medical clinics.

John could be a real sidewinder when he got mad but inside was a little boy who wanted love and attention. John was a great storyteller and routinely exaggerated. He would often help others less fortunate than himself, even when he was struggling. Following a heart attack in 2008 and later open-heart surgery, John’s health declined in many areas. John loved cooking, canning, hosting parties, and scrapbooking. He was extremely proud that he had not smoked in 5 years and had stopped drinking about 90 days before he passed. John had a great love for dogs and had many throughout his life. He had a great love for his grandmothers and mother and never recovered from losing Jan in 2016.

John had a tough time agreeing to do things or try new things from going to a movie, bowling, or taking a trip. But once he did something, it was the greatest thing ever, and he wanted to do it again right away. In the 2000’s he enjoyed trips to Woodbine, IA, Kansas City, Hollywood, Las Vegas and Sedona.

John was preceded in death by his grandparents, mother Jan, and dogs Grandpa Bailey, Alex, Bleu, Seyona and Moogie.

He is survived by his father, Virgil Coleman of Arizona, Brother Virgil Coleman Jr, sister-in-law, Sharon, Niece, Callie all of TX, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, best pals Thomas Wehmeyer and Curt Vodehnal and his canine kids Kai, Bailey, Ted, and Journey. Everyone who ever met John, surely has a funny story to tell about him! He was one of a kind and they broke the mold after him! He will be greatly missed after his too-short time on earth.