Joseph Toombs Coleman

Joseph Toombs Joe Coleman, 86, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, December 29, 2008. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 62 years and their children and grandchildren. Joe became a Christian at a very young age at Concord Baptist Church near Chandler, Texas. He was a Godly example in his family, business and community. A true representative of the way his Father wanted him to live. Mr. Coleman was born in Van Zandt County, Texas, on January 21, 1922, to John W. and Ethel Massey Coleman and the youngest of nine children. He was a graduate of Edom schools, Van High School, Tyler Junior College and The University of Texas at Austin as a Mechanical Engineer. Joe honorably served his country during WWII in the Army Air Corps. After graduation from college, he worked for Chance-Vought Aircraft in Irving, Texas, as a Mechanical Engineer. In 1960, he and his brother John formed Coleman Construction Company in Tyler. For over 25 years, Joe was a home builder and developer. He also owned Joe T. Coleman Real Estate and Heritage Investment Company. He was a well-known Tyler businessman and held many offices in home builder and real estate associations. He represented each at local, state and national conventions. After retirement, he and Mary lived in Kingwood and then in Henderson to be near children and grandchildren. He served as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Tyler, Green Acres Baptist in Tyler and First Baptist Church in Henderson. He and his wife also worked with the youth of churches for many years. Joe is preceded in death by his parents and seven brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Jones Coleman; daughters, Judy Spence of Henderson, Sandra Stringer of Austin, and daughter and son-in-law, Joann and Mark Nelson of Henderson. His 20 grandchildren are Brian and Jeffrey Stringer; Jonathan and Daniel Spence; Grant, Aaron, Katie, Alex, Josh, Jamie, Jordan, Hannah, Jonah, Brandon, Nickolas, Maddie and Addie Vittitow; Hannah and Bethany Nelson; Corrie and Toby Buchanan. Five great-grandchildren, Adam and Chloe Vittitow; Aidan Vittitow; Raleigh and Riley Buchanan. There will be a private family graveside service and burial at Concord Cemetery in Chandler on Wednesday at 10 a.m. with the Revs. Bill Tisdale and Grant Vittitow grandson officiating. Dalton Jones will be singing "Because He Lives" and Jonathan Spence grandson playing "Amazing Grace" on flute. Burial will be under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Henderson. There will be no planned visitation. Anyone wishing to honor Mr. Coleman's life may contribute to Hospice of East Texas or American Cancer Society in Tyler.

Joseph Toombs Coleman

January 21, 1922 - December 29, 2008