William Melvin Coleman

William Bill was born in East Moline, Illinois on February 18, 1930. He graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in English. Immediately thereafter he married Barbara Van Vranken, his wife of 49 years.

Bill served as an officer in the United States Air Force for 26 years and retired in San Antonio as a Lt. Colonel. One of the highlights of his military career was serving as Director Of Cadet Personnel and Administration at the United States Air Force Academy.

Following his retirement he taught English at Pleasanton High School for 15 years. He was a member of Coker United Methodist Church until he moved to the Dallas area in 2005 to be closer to his children.

Bill had a love of travel that led him to visit nearly every major country in Western Europe at least once. He also visited China, Thailand and Bali. His love of photography was evidenced by the numerous photographs that documented his travels with his wife Barbara. He was a loving and involved family man who enjoyed hobbies that included stained glass, writing, and gardening.

He is survived by his three children, Terrie Weaver of Houston, Texas, Bill Coleman of Prosper, Texas and Karen Mann of Richardson, Texas; six grandchildren, Amy Umar, Scott and Becca Weaver; Michael and Christi Coleman; Thomas and Molly Mann; as well as his great granddaughter Abbey Umar.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

WITH FULL MILITARY HONORS

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2010

1:00 P.M.

FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY