Phillip P Coleman

Phillip “Pooh Bear” Paul Coleman, 67, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 1, 2012. Born in Fort Wayne on September 26, 1944, he graduated from North Side High School in 1961 and was employed at General Electric for 35 years. He served as an officer of the International Union of Electrical Workers Local 901 for 27 years, six of those as its president. He was a life member of AMVETS Post 33 and a member of VFW 1421. He was an avid golfer, a voracious reader, and also enjoyed participating in auto racing and motorcycling. A natural tenor, he sang at many weddings and funerals and was a worship leader at Calvary Chapel in Auburn for several years. He was a huge fan of Indiana Hoosier basketball and Chicago Bears football. He delighted countless children by taking advantage of his remarkable resemblance to Santa Claus and performing at charitable Christmas functions.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl (Hurst) Coleman, son Doug (Chris) Coleman of Auburn, daughter Rusti (Jeff) Null of Pittsburgh, sisters Pat Starr of Ft. Wayne and Faith (Stan) Christie of California, grandchildren Travis, Lyndon and Bayley Coleman and Siani and Savannah Null. He is also survived by stepdaughters Tina (Mark) France of Florida, Tricia (Bruce) McInnis of Maine, and April (Jeremy Lee) Klug of Ft. Wayne and step-grandchildren Trevor, Jenna, Karli, Austin, Jordan, Cody, Amanda, Amber, Tyler, Brittany, Aaron and Ana. Preceded in death by his parents James and Lois Coleman and his best friend “Buddy Boy.”