Charles N. Coleman

Charles Norton Coleman II died Wednesday, January 9th, 2013 in San Antonio, TX at age 82. He was born in Boulder, CO on July 8, 1930, but tarried there only a few weeks before he and his parents, Charles and Alleyne Coleman returned to their home in Corpus Christi. Charles was of English, Scots-Irish and Welsh heritage. He attended Corpus Christi High School, graduating in 1947. He then went to Houston to the Rice Institute, class of '51, and obtained two degrees there. He was subsequently employed by the Humble Oil & Refining Co. at their Baytown refinery as a chemical engineer. He worked for them through the various reformulations of the company (Esso, Enco and finally Exxon), retiring in 1985 from the Exxon USA headquarters in Houston. He was an engineer, process designer, long range planner and economic analyst. In 1954 he volunteered for Navy OCS to serve his country and see the world; however, he ended up stationed in his home town for most of his active duty. After coming back to work for Humble, he remained active in the Naval Reserve, and retired in 1977 as a Commander, USNR. In 1958, while still working at Baytown, Charles moved to Houston because the supply of eligible young ladies was slim in Baytown. Shortly thereafter, he met, courted and married Pat Chivers of Phillips, TX. They had three daughters: Carin, husband Ned Thorn, Cindy, husband Ed Zuzula, and Cheryl, husband John Aven. These families produced for them eight beautiful grandchildren: Katy and Edward Thorn, Alex, Caley and Ted Zuzula, and Hannah, Claire and Cammie Aven. He is survived by his loving wife, Pat, his daughters and their families, his sister Carolyn Diehl and nephews Doug and Clay Diehl, sister-in-law Rinky Sanders, niece and nephew Stacie Sanders Hendrickson and Stan Sanders, as well as numerous cousins. . Charles was a Christian and a member of the Alamo Heights United Methodist Church, where he served on various committees and boards, and as a volunteer worker for the office staff. While living in Houston, he served as Finance chairman, Administrative Board chairman and Lay Leader of the Southwest United Methodist Church. He also was a past Finance chairman and Board member for the Greater Houston Council of Camp Fire Girls. He was an avid tennis player, and a collector of representational art and good wines. Visitation wjll begin on Monday, January 141h, 2013, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Porter Loring. MEMORIAL SERVICE TUESDAY, JANUARY 15m, 2013, 2:00P.M. ALAMO HEIGHTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Dr. David McNitzky officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the operating budget of the church, 825 E. Basse Rd., San Antonie, TX 78209.