James Fowler Coleman

James Fowler Coleman, 88, of Liberty, Missouri died peacefully at his home on November 4, 2016. Fowler was born on March 24, 1928 in Vivian, Louisiana to William Coleman and Edith Hartzo Coleman. Fowler attended the McLeod, Texas public schools and graduated in 1945. He was quite proud of playing on the 1944 McLeod football team, the “Untouchables” which still holds the record for the only undefeated season in Texas small class. During World War II, he could not join the Army until he was 18 and his mother wouldn’t agree to that. So, at age 17 he enlisted in the United States Merchant Marines. He returned to East Texas and married Minnie Morgan in 1947. They were married for 56 years. Together they raised a son and two daughters. Minnie died in 2003. Before retiring, Fowler worked as an operator in the oil and gas fields in Texas and Colorado for nearly 40 years. Fowler married Nelly Bell in November 2003 and lived in Delta, Colorado. After Nelly died in 2010, Fowler moved to Liberty, Missouri. A “pure” bluegrass fan, he enjoyed many area festivals and shows. Fowler loved sports, especially watching his Denver Broncos and going to William Jewell basketball games. He was a strong Christian from his teen years on and a member of the Pleasant Hill Nebo Baptist Church. He is survived by his children, Jackie David Coleman of Queen City, Texas, Celia Kay Troxell (Randy) of Missouri City, Texas and Julia Fitzgerald (Michael) of Liberty, Missouri, his sister Ruth Yates (Jackie) of McLeod Texas, five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and many friends and relatives. A memorial service was held on November 6 at Pleasant Hill Nebo Baptist Church. A graveside service will be held in Atlanta, Texas on November 13 at 3:00 PM—Friends and relatives are welcome at the Bethsaida “Y” Cemetery. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Missouri Baptist Cooperative Program.