Search by Name

Search by Name

William Coleman Obituary

William Coleman, 50, a Maricopa County Sheriff's deputy, was shot and killed by a burglary suspect north of Phoenix Sunday morning. He was a 20-year veteran of the department.
Published by The Arizona Republic from Jan. 8 to Feb. 29, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for William Coleman

Not sure what to say?





469 Entries

Wm. Radabaugh

May 11, 2012

Dear Coleman Family--this message is filled with love and sadness for you all. It takes a special person to be in law enforcement, Bill surely fit this characteristic.

The simple words "thank you for your diligence" are surely not enough, but yet heart felt nonetheless.

This message came to me by e-mail today (5-11-12) so excuse the tardiness of the comment(s)

From a distance....Wm. Radabaugh, Past Master of an Ohio Lodge of Freemasons. And yes the Masonic community mourns Bill's passing also, for he was a worthy Brother. Just wish we could have known him in person.

May God bless and continue to do so from this time forward.

February 24, 2012

Dear Colemn Family - You have my deepest heartfelt condolences. May God be with you to bring you comfort and peace through this difficult time. He promises at Isaiah 61:2, 65:8, to actually do away with death forever; ... will certainly wipe the tears from all faces.

Fellow Deputy, Friend

February 13, 2012

A month has passed since Bill was taken from us at MCSO. Like his own family, the Office has experienced a hole which can never be filled again. Each day, we see his picture and are reminded of a life well-lived, but also one taken too soon. Time may ease the pain, but it never serves to help us forget it.

And we shall not forget you, Bill. You were a valued part of the Office, not just because you were one of the "tan and brown" who faithfully served, but because you were a man of integrity and great humor. The lives you touched were done so because you were, first, a decent man and, second, a good and faithful servant.

Thank you for being the example you were and continue to be for those deputies and officers who follow humbly in your shadow.

Bailey Smith

February 10, 2012

I have known Billl for well pretty much all my life everytime I see him he gives me a hard time and I don't mind it at all. My favorite part was when Bill let me stand on his feet to dance with him at his wedding that was my favorite memory of him.

Hedger Smith

February 10, 2012

I have known Bill for most of my years with the Sheriff's Office. We started our friendship working together in District II. Bill and I have always had this unwritten compitition on who would get the most citizen complaints. As most who had worked District II back in the good ole days, it was considered that, "you're not doing your job right unless your getting citizen complaints." It was a battle for me to keep up with Bill!

One of my favorite memories of Bill was the day I backed him up on a vehicle fire assist at interstate 10 and Cotton Lane. Bill was out with a burning vehicle and had a man in custody? Upon my arrival it was discovered that the man was also the victim of the burning vehicle. Bill had to remove this man from the vehicle when he refused to get out at Bill's, "I'm sure, kind request." Even though Bill saved this man from his scouring death , Bill still recieved a citizen complaint from the grateful man. Now I ask, how do you compete with that? ""Wild Bill you are the man!"" I will always look up to you my Friend. Love graciously, Hedger

Jeff Halmekangas

February 10, 2012

I met Bill in late 2009. I worked side by side with him during the Commercial Vehicle Regulations. Bill loved to teach and was a great instructor. I learned so much about the proper procedures and requirements that entailed this division. Bill you will always be remembered for your attitube and professional demeanor.

Daryl D

February 9, 2012

On behalf of my family, my friends, and myself,"Thank You" Deputy Coleman! May God comfort and strenthen your family, and give them peace in their hearts during this time and always.
Daryl De Angelo, MCSO-SIMS Division

Fellow Deputy

February 9, 2012

Your family and Bill will be forever in our hearts and thoughts, we never forget a fallen brother or his loved ones.

February 9, 2012

From the Kovars family to yours, our thoughts are with you and we are proud to have had a man like him here to protect us.

L

February 4, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. May the Most High God comfort you during these difficult days. (Psalm 83: 18)

January 31, 2012

May you find comfort in this most difficult time. Ecclesiates 9:5

January 30, 2012

My deepest sympathy for your loss. May you and your family find comfort and peace from God during this difficult time. Romans15:13

Rita Godinez~Barraza

January 25, 2012

Sorry for your loss"god only take the best to serve in his home and once day you will meet again as God Angels and Thank U" for keeping are street safe.

January 24, 2012

Our Hearts and Prayers are with the Coleman Family! Sheriff Coleman will forever be our Hero....
The Lees Family
Anthem, AZ

Gerard Jean-Pierre

January 22, 2012

I am sorry to hear about your loss. I hope the love from your family and friends help you cope through this difficult moment. Remember that one day God will reunite us with the love ones we have lost and we will live forever in a beautiful paradise. Please have hope. Your family will be kept in my prayers. “May the God of all comfort grant your family peace at this time 1 Cor. 1:3, 4

Ian O'Connor

January 18, 2012

We will miss you, Brother.

Walter S

January 16, 2012

Sorry to hear of your lost my prayers are for your family may God give you the strength to go on. (Philippians 4:13)

Rob Zemeida

January 14, 2012

That was a very beautiful service yesterday. I pray for peace for your family. If there is anything you need please do not hesistate to call on me, Beth. God Bless you and your family.

Destiny Simon

January 13, 2012

My condolences to the family any my pryers for you during your dark hours.

Destiny Simon and family

Amy

January 13, 2012

"There is no greater love than this; than a man lay down his life for friends." John 15:13. May God bless Deputy Coleman and his family. My deepest heart felt sympathy to Deputy Coleman's family and members of the MCSO.

January 13, 2012

our deepest sympathy to his family. Charles R Coleman and family

January 13, 2012

Beth, So sorry for your loss. This loss affects everyone. I did not know Mr. Coleman, but he represented all that is good. I support our officers that protect us. I am so sad. G.A. Payson, Az

January 13, 2012

My sincere condolences to the family, and to the Lodge Brethren on their loss.
Douglas E. Smith W.M./KTCH Arcanum, OH

Alice Huey

January 13, 2012

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Bill's family and friends. I did not know Bill, but was the administrative secretary for District IV for over 14 years, which is probably the district Bill was working out of. He was a true hero, and because of him there were probably a lot of lives saved. May he rest in peace, and God Bless his family.

Pam Cox

January 13, 2012

may God bring you peace and comfort during this sorrowful time. i am sure that Maricopa County is better because of Officer Colmans service. RIP Officer Colman.

cindy upshaw

January 13, 2012

my thoughts and prayers are with all during the loss. you wil never forgotten Rest in peace William from the upshaws in rimrock az

Pat Stevens

January 13, 2012

Beth & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you during this difficult time. May the Lord's healing touch provide you with strength and comfort now and always.

January 13, 2012

God bless you for all you've done to make this a safer place for my kids & loved ones. May you rest easy now...

Floyd Jackson

January 13, 2012

My heart weeps, we have lost yet another hero who was protected our right to live free. May God be with the family and friends.
Floyd O. Jackson,Jr.
Mayor, City of Roman Forest, TX
Worshipful Master Sam B. Crawford Lodge

Anette Hall

January 13, 2012

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

January 13, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Cindy Brauer

January 12, 2012

Thank you, Deputy Coleman, for your bravery and courage. Your ultimate sacrifice and the sacrifice of your family will not be forgotten. Your family and your MCSO family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Scott and Cindy Brauer

Bret & Alyssa Mulligan

January 12, 2012

Bill, you have been a great friend for as long as I can remember. My condolences to Beth and the kids, your father, brother and sisters. I am proud to have you as a friend. May you rest in peace.

January 12, 2012

Our families thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Beth, I am thinking of you so often. Sending love, hugs, and prayers...... The newman family

lauri pilling

January 12, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

WM 2012

January 12, 2012

The members of Phoenicia Lodge #58 F&AM wish to express our condolences and sympathies.

A broken pillar & sprig of Acacia.

Christina Gonzalez

January 12, 2012

Beth,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with you and your family may God give you the strength you need to face each day. God will give you also the comfort to heal all the pain. Cherish all the good memories he is now with God in a better place. God Bless you and your children.

Neil Adair

January 12, 2012

all of Scotlands Freemason send our deepest sympathies to Brother Bill,s family may God be with his Family and Friends at this time, Keep The Faith,
Fraternally Neil Adair PM 133, in the province of Ayrshire, Scotland.

J. Perez

January 12, 2012

The Coleman Family you are in my prayers.

Stefanie Goodman

January 12, 2012

Beth & family, our prayers and support are with you always

Ingrid Hogan

January 12, 2012

To Beth and the entire Coleman family: We would like to express our heartfelt sympathy to you all. Our prayers are with you. Seek God for guidance and strength. Love Ingrid and Charles Hogan

Jim Kelley

January 12, 2012

My deepest sympathies to Beth and the whole Coleman family. Bill was a great deputy, an even better man, and will never be forgotten by those of us who live in this town and who wear a shield.

Rest easy Deputy Coleman. The rest of us will take watch from here.

Elsa Simental

January 12, 2012

Beth and family, may God give you peace and Bless your family at this time of need.

carroll banks

January 12, 2012

thanks brother, may god bless you

Jerry Stone

January 12, 2012

Our deepest condolences go out to the Coleman family at this tragic time. May the Good Lord be by your side & somehow give you comfort.
Jerry Stone
Hermitage Lodge #288
Hermitage,Mo.
O.E.S. Chapter #99
Pomme De Terre Shrine Club-Hermitage,Mo.

Erika Garcia

January 11, 2012

My Condolences to the Coleman Family.
Our prayers are with you and your family in your loss.

Sharon and Tim Leuthauser

January 11, 2012

Beth and family,
Our hearts go out to you and your family at this time. He served the community as a positive role model and hero. He will not be forgotten by the communities he served . Your mother always talked so highly of Bill and was so proud of his work with the Sheriffs office. What a great father and hero to children all over .

January 11, 2012

Please accept the condolences of the Gonzales County Texas Sheriff's Office. Our prayers are with you in your loss.

Sheriff Glen A. Sachtleben,
Past Master Gonzales #30, AF&AM

Keith Cirling

January 11, 2012

Rest in Peace Bill,God bless you for your service and Bravery and for being a good person and friend.
Your friends in Reno will miss you.

Ret. Washoe County Deputy Sheriff

Jerry & Marilee Stripling

January 11, 2012

From:

Jerry Stripling
Masonic Lodge 1325 &
Marilee Stripling
OES Chapter 626


Like the cover of an old book:
The saddle stitching torn,
The paste-down loose, and
The binding weathered.

Its contents are torn out
So the book can be repaired, and
Rebound in more elegant edition
With gilded pages in a
Soft leather binding,
Revised & corrected by the Author.

Should we mourn a book because it has a new cover?

Tina Ellis Coyle & Uncle Jiggs

January 11, 2012

Beth, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids during this difficult time and in the days to come.

Lindsey & David Livingstone

January 11, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Steve James

January 11, 2012

My condolences to the Coleman family - May God lead and guide you and your family through this time of difficulty and know that you are not alone. There is a huge fraternity of Masonic and law enforcement brethren behind this tragedy and will be there for support. God Bless - WB Steve James Waynesville Lodge # 259 Waynesville, NC

Mike Wonyetye

January 11, 2012

Rest in Peace William, and know GOD will Bless and Protect your Family. They have not lost a Father, but gained one now in Heaven.

Terry Edgington

January 11, 2012

Bill was my best friend's brother in law in Sparks, NV. We hunted and fished together. Bill was a good kid then and I am certain he was an excellent peace officer. His father, Dick Coleman, was always very proud of Bill. My heartfelt condolences to his wife and children. All of the men and women who have chosen careers in law enforcement, realize and accept the risk they take on a daily basis. There is no stronger bond than the law enforcement community. God bless Bill and his family.

Ret. Reno Police Officer

Sally Gomez

January 11, 2012

My heartfelt condolences to the Coleman family and the entire MCSD. May God keep the Coleman family in his tender, loving arms. Deputy Coleman, you put your life on the line for the citizens of Maricopa County and paid the ultimate price. You sir, are a hero of the highest order and you will now do your protecting from heaven. May you RIP.

Ellen A

January 11, 2012

Sending thoughts and prayers to Deputy Coleman's family and friends; sending gratitude and thanks to deputy Coleman for his service to our community.

AncientYorkLodge/ ChelseaFireDept

January 11, 2012

My deepest and most heart-felt condolences on the loss of Deputy William Coleman. At roll call one name will go unanswered because he has been assigned to higher duty! May his family, friends, co-workers, lodge brothers and his brothers and sisters in uniform find peace in the fact that he now helps protect us all, from above.
- A brother Mason and Firefighter from MA

Diana Howsden

January 11, 2012

Beth, I am so sorry for your loss, my heart aches for you and your children. Please know that your WESD family has you in our constant thoughts and prayers.

Lorie H.

January 11, 2012

So very sorry for this family. I thank Officer Coleman for his service. I pray the family will find peace in the days to come.

Jocelyn Rochman

January 11, 2012

May you rest in peace, this was senseless and our hearts and prayers are with your family.

January 11, 2012

Please accept our sincere sympathy for your families loss. The members of Western Star Lodge #1185, Lackawanna, NY

Gina McConaghy

January 11, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this tragic time. God Bless you.

Officer Mesa

January 11, 2012

May you rest in eternal peace my fallen brother.While your family grieves your loss, we honor your heroism.Your remaining brothers and sisters will continue your mission.

E Moncayo

January 11, 2012

THEIR DUTY WAS TO SERVE,OUR DUTY IS TO REMEMBER. Bless you and your family.

January 11, 2012

From Brookville Lodge 596, OH, you have our deepest sympathies and respect for Brother and Deputy Coleman and his fellow officers for their peace keeping duties that they do so well, Secretary.

Bruce Byron R0806, Phx PD

January 11, 2012

On behalf of my family, we wish to express our sadness of the passing of Dep. Coleman. We have lost a fine officer, but you have lost a friend, partner, father, and more. May he rest in peace, and may your happy memories of him replace the sadness you feel now.

January 11, 2012

I was Bill's dental hygienist. I always looked forward to his visits. He was always talkative and lit up when he talked about his kids and family. He will be missed. My heart goes out to Beth and his family.

Donald Clendenen

January 11, 2012

The unthinkable has again happened; yet we are assured that our Lord will bless the peacemakers.
Donald Clendenen, Past Master, Berkeley, CA police officer, ret.

Joe Celuch

January 11, 2012

To the family of Brother Coleman:

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of difficulty. From reading the messages left to you by so many from so far, Br. Coleman's service to his fellow man has been exemplary. And undoubtedly he has a place awaiting in the Great Celestial Lodge.

Joe Celuch, PM
Frazeysburg Lodge 490, Frazeysburg Ohio

Tom Helsinger

January 11, 2012

May God Bless and Comfort the Family for the tragic loss of our Brother Deputy and Brother William Coleman. Brother Tom Helsinger Lincoln Lodge 693 Middletown, Ohio

Kent McCandless

January 11, 2012

I doubly share your sorrow for the Loss of Brother and fellow Deputy Coleman. May He who does all things well care for you all. Kent McCandless Bonneville County, S.O., Ret. and SGS Grand Lodge of Idaho

Reed Thomas

January 10, 2012

I am saddened to hear of Bill's death. I went to high school with Bill (Reed High) and although I have not seen him since, I remember him as always friendly and somewhat quiet. It does not surprise me that he was a public servant. I too am a police officer for RPD and my sincerest condolences go out to Bill's family.

Levin Family

January 10, 2012

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." --Romans 8:28

Gino Duran #1646

January 10, 2012

"In valor there is hope."
- Tacitus
Rest in peace Bill.

Susan Burns

January 10, 2012

Beth, you, your children and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. Your tremendous loss is felt by many. May God's healing touch give you strength and comfort.

Colonel, USAF (ret) Ed Johnson

January 10, 2012

Dear Mrs Coleman and family,

My deepest sympathies and condolences on the tragic death of your husband. As an Air Force Security Forces member for many years, we experienced these same unfortunate challenges, but not nearly in as dangerous settings as William faced daily. He will be remembered by the legions of law enforcement professionals worldwide, and hopefully, be mentioned in highly positive ways by our critical news media. I will remember him and pray for your family. May God eternally bless William's soul and yours. God Bless You!

Phil Arony

January 10, 2012

I am saddened by the senseless death of a Brother Mason just doing his job. We mourn with his family, friends and Brothers.

Paul Krznarich

January 10, 2012

Pray with us all. Protections. Over the only three kinds, of people, whom willing lay down their lives for you and I. Law Enforcement Personal-U.S.Arm Forces. Jesus Christ.

WM Booker

January 10, 2012

The entire Fraternity of Masons mourn the loss of a fine upcoming Brother. Our hearts go out to his family and express our deepest sympathy. We may be separated by miles, but we are all together in sharing your sorrow.
Worshipful Master Alan Booker and the Brothers of Knollwood Lodge #774, Beavercreek, Ohio

January 10, 2012

Dear Mrs Coleman & Family,
I am truly saddened to read of the untimely death of your husband. May God keep all of you in the hollow of His hand and give you comfort in your time of sorrow and hurt.
Charles F Fox
PM, St. Andrew's Lodge #619
Springfield, Ohio

Randall Moore

January 10, 2012

1 Thessalonians 4:16 & 17 . . .

Rob Alverson

January 10, 2012

My deepest sympathy and condolences go to the Coleman family and all the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. Deputy Coleman was wonderfull and I vey much appreciate what the MSCO does to proctect all of us.

Lisa Feyma

January 10, 2012

Dear Beth,

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Heidi Williams

January 10, 2012

Our family is so sorry for your loss. May God bless you and your family.

Rachel Pawley

January 10, 2012

Beth and family- My heartfelt sympathy and my prayers that you feel God's loving arms around you.

Paula Clark

January 10, 2012

I know that words don't mean much at a time like this, but still, I want to offer you and your loved ones my sincerest sympathy for your loss.

January 10, 2012

May God hold you close in his arms and strip the pain of your passing from your family and friends.Semper Fi, You gave your all.
Dana Keene, Anchorage,Alaska

January 10, 2012

Beth,

I can't tell you how much my heart is breaking for you, your children and family. You have always been the anchor for our families in our program, helping out whenever possible and now you are having to endure this terrible tragedy. Please know I am praying for you each and every day that God will give you strength and guidance to get through. God bless you all.

Debbie Goebel

January 10, 2012

Beth,

I can't tell you how much my heart is breaking for you, your children and family. You have always been the anchor for our families in our program, helping out whenever possible and now you are having to endure this terrible tragedy. Please know I am praying for you each and every day that God will give you strength and guidance to get through. God bless you all.

January 10, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers to the family of our departed Brother.
Frank Green and the Officers of the
International Shrine Aviation Assoc.

The El Mirage Police Department

January 10, 2012

Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to the Coleman family and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

January 10, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and coworker of our departed Brother. Bruce Hammond, Master Panther City Lodge #1183 A.F.&A.M, Fort Worth, Texas

Pat King

January 10, 2012

Deepest sympathy on the loss of Brother Coleman.

Joe Keesee

January 10, 2012

He is now in the arms of the Supreme Architect of the Universe.

January 10, 2012

My deepest sympathy on the loss of Brother Coleman. Frank Brown, Major John B. Jones Masonic Ranger Company, Former Texas Rangers Foundation

Troy Henley

January 10, 2012

From a former MCSO family member, I give my deepest of regrets to Deputy Coleman's family. He will always live on in our minds and hearts.

BUD PILLING

January 10, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Vincent Medina

January 10, 2012

On behalf of the Fowler Elementary Head Start Program...we are thinking of you and your family at this time of great loss.

Showing 1 - 100 of 469 results

Make a Donation
in William Coleman's name

How to support William's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor William Coleman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more