Norman L Coleman Sr.

Norm was born on May 18, 1933, in Marlette, Michigan to Ona Myrtell Cook and raised with Merle Boyle. He lived all over the U.S before raising his family in Flushing, Michigan. He moved to Englewood in the 1990’s and eventually was joined by all five of his children.

A self-made businessman of many talents and endless curiosity, Norm lived a full and beautiful life. He worked tirelessly for everything he achieved and inspired others to chase their dreams and reach their potential. Like all lives, his journey had its share of ups and downs; and was richly woven with adventure, love, resiliency, and stories well worth retelling. He was incredibly generous — with his time, his money, his faith, his friendship, and his love. He will be dearly missed by the many lives he touched.

Norm collected life experiences the way some people collect souvenirs. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, perpetual business owner (including his own insurance agency, Kathy’s Restaurant, and even a hotdog cart), real estate developer, devoted father and grandfather, loyal friend, golf club champion, card game master, expert rock skipper, daytime TV enthusiast, whiskey aficionado, Moose, gifted handyman, and an avid motorcycle rider. His adventures carried him across the world by nearly every means imaginable — tour bus, ship, airplane, motorcycle, dump truck, and most proudly, behind the wheel of his treasured 1964 Bonneville convertible.

Norm leaves behind his soulmate, Gail Machado and their dog, Pebbles with whom he shared many wonderful years. He is also lovingly remembered by his sister, Lorraine; children Ron (Cindy), Norm Jr. (Crystal), Bob (Kathy), Kathleen, Jim Machado (Heidi), and Kristine Riley; his grandchildren — Paul (Lori Ann), Ciara Buchanan (Steve), Kris, Nick (Megan), Grant (Debra), Beau, Tyler Machado, Tiffani DeRocha (Daniel), Daniel Riley (Christie), and Diane Deichman (Chris); and his 14 great-grandchildren (CJ, Owen, MJ, Rylee, Lilly, Abigail, Gabriel, Micah, Rebekah, Jaysa, Trent, Jaylee, Colton, Clara) — all who brought considerable joy to his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers — Dale, Jack, and Don Sr.; the mother of his children, Nancy; his youngest son, Roger (Rong), and his beloved dog, Roxie.

A graveside service will be held on December 15, 2025 at 11:30 am at Gulf Pines Cemetery in Englewood. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Salvation Army.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Veteran’s Hospital and Tidewell Hospice for their compassionate care.

May we carry forward his love for adventure, his quiet strength, and the laughter he brought into our lives, keeping his spirit close in the stories and moments he leaves with us.