Rear Admiral Joseph Lustrat COLEMAN, USN (ret.), 91, passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at St. Vincent’s Medical Center. He was born in Atlanta, GA on September 10, 1922, the son of Owen and Eleanore Lustrat Coleman. He married the former Margaret (Margie) Hendley who survives him along with his three children, Carol Lee Jackson, Sherrie Lynn Millichap and Joseph Lustrat, Jr. There are 7 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.
Joe entered the Navy NAVCAD program in August 1942 and received his Wings of Gold as a Naval Aviator on December 31 1943 and was commissioned as an Ensign. He joined Fighter Squadron 40 on the USS Swannee (CVE-27) serving in the Pacific where he was credited with destroying two Japanese aircraft off the coast of Iwo Jima. Following the war he served on the USS Midway (CVE-41) before returning to study at George Washington University graduating in 1951. He joined Fighter Squadron 32 transitioning into jets and flying the F2H Banshee and F9F, -6 Cougar. He became the Public Information Officer at the Naval Air Station Atlanta in 1954 followed by attending the Armed Forces Staff College and a tour on the USS Hornet (CVS-12) as Air Operations Officer. He then attended the Naval War College in Newport, RI before becoming the commanding officer of Attack Squadron 15 and the commanding officer of Attack Squadron 122 flying the AD Skyraider and A4D Skyhawk. After a tour as program director of the new OV-10 aircraft, he became commanding officer of the USS Mispillion (AD-105) a supply ship off the coast of Viet Nam in 1967 and 1968 and later was the commanding officer in USS Ranger (CVA-61) operating off the coast of Viet Nam during 1969-1971. He was promoted to Rear Admiral and became the commander of the 4th Naval District and Philadelphia Naval Base before retiring and returning to Jacksonville.
In civilian life, Joe was a former Board Member and Chairman of the Jacksonville Electric Authority, Board Member of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, he was a founder and former president of the Fleet Landing Retirement Community, board member of the Navy League of Jacksonville, National Trustee of the Association of Naval Aviation, member of the Golden Eagles (Early Pioneer Naval Aviators), member of the Commodore’s League of Jacksonville, a former member of the Timuquana Country Club, past board member and chairman of the University Club and numerous other affiliations in the Jacksonville community where he left his firm impression on their future.
He was an icon to the Navy in Jacksonville and was always the center attraction at every event. He was honored on Veteran’s Day by the Navy League of Jacksonville. He will be missed, not only by his family but, by the entire community who knew him as a great leader and friend.
A memorial service is planned for Sunday, January 19, at 1:00 PM at Hardage Giddens Hendricks Chapel. Reception to follow; location to be announced.
He will be interred at Jacksonville National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to make a contribution to Wounded Warriors in memory of Joe Coleman.
Words of comfort can be left at www.hardage-giddenshendricksave.com
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 4115 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32207. (904) 346-3808.
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