Joseph Toombs Coleman's Obituary
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.
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph?
Share a story where Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph make you smile?