Name: Visitation for Thomas A. Coleman
Start: 2021-07-01T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-07-01T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service - Pere Marquette Chapel

Thomas A. Coleman

Ludington - Thomas A. Coleman 85, of Ludington, Michigan, passed away on June 29, 2021, at home.

Tom was born at home in Ludington on September 13, 1935, the son of Louis Alexander and Grace (Gustafson) Coleman. He grew up in Ludington, played football for the Orioles and graduated from Ludington High School in 1953 as Valedictorian. He graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University, where he also played football for the Huskies and was awarded Academic All-American Honors. He later earned a Master's of Science in 1973 from Michigan State University. He was registered as a Professional Engineer in 1962.

Tom joined the Michigan Department of Transportation after graduation from Michigan Tech. He initially worked as a Geotechnical (soils) Engineer in the Kalamazoo area during the construction of the Interstate Highway System there and later in the same capacity in Detroit and Pontiac. After transferring to Lansing headquarters, he continued to work soils and construction statewide on highway location, grading, drainage, foundations, pavement design, construction, environmental concerns and maintenance projects ranged in location from New Buffalo to Copper Harbor to the Soo to Monroe. His 40 year career later led him to become a statewide Assistant Construction Engineer, District Engineer for the 13 county Cadillac District, which included Mason County, and then back to Lansing as Deputy Director for Operations in charge of all MDOT field activities statewide and a few in Lansing.

He was credited with some national engineering firsts in the use of lightweight materials, drainage systems, concrete and asphalt pavement rehabilitations, and was in charge of many special projects which included MDOT reorganization and the Clare Welcome Center tribute to the men and women who work, and even gave their lives on our highways.

Upon retirement in 1997 after 40 years of service, he returned to Ludington and renovated his great-grandfather's 1883 family farm in Victory Township and grew good gardens. He has served on and as chair of the City of Ludington Planning Commission for many years.

Surviving are: son, Charles T. Coleman; his daughter, Susan Kiel; niece and nephew, Elizabeth and Ken Chaney; along with other cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Claire.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Friday, July 2, 2021, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 501 E. Danaher, Ludington, with Rev. Domingo F. Shriver officiating. Interment will be in the North Victory Cemetery near the family farm. Visitation will be held Thursday, July 1, 2021, from 5-7 PM, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel, and Friday, July 2, 2021, from 10:00 AM until time of services at Emanuel Lutheran Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Missions Funds at Emanuel Lutheran Church, the Mason County Historical Society or a charity of one's choice.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal from Jun. 30 to Jul. 1, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Coleman

Sponsored by Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service - Pere Marquette Chapel.

10 Entries

Roger H Anderson

June 29, 2022

Tom was a tireless leader of the City's Planning Commision. He spent literally thousands of hours of valuable service for the benefit of Ludington. Many of the public improvements in Ludington are the product of Tom and other Planning Commisioners hard work. He will be missed. It was my good fortune to have worked with him.

Sheila Beckman

July 3, 2021

Sue and Chuck, I'm so sorry. Looks like your dad spent the last years living in a beautiful location! That was a great video.
One of my fondest memories was of him making the ice skating rink behind your house when we were kids. Say hello to your mom for me. Take care.

Roger Anderson

July 2, 2021

Thank you for all of the hard work you you did on the Planning Commission. You will be missed.

Jim Collinson

July 1, 2021

Tom was a good friend as well as a great co worker. Was always available when called upon. His expertise was unquestioned. His knowledge was always welcome. He will be missed by many. R.I.P.

Cheryl Cole

July 1, 2021

Hi there. Sure am sorry to hear about your dad. I've often wondered about him and how he was doing. He and dad were good friends. We had some great times in Ludington, visiting the farm and fishing.

Pat Smith

June 30, 2021

I worked for and with Tom for many years at MDOT. He was always a good friend and helped me through some tough times. I could always depend on him to be there for me.
I enjoyed working on the Employee Memorial with him and when it was dedicated, we shared a sense of satisfaction. Tom was a special person, cared for by many, who will be missed by many!! I will miss him dearly!! Rest in peace, TC. Love you!

Larry Swanson

June 30, 2021

Tom was not only a friend but an excellent engineer. his expertise was not only in soils but in diversified areas of highway design and construction. On many occasions, I would call him for advice on critical engineering problems. His death is a great lose to many of us.

Glenn Bukoski

June 30, 2021

Worked with Tom at MDOT for several years, always appreciated his approach to business and life, a little fluff with a lot of honesty. Heaven gets a good man and a good engineer ... Rest in Peace Tom!

Suzanne Skubick

June 29, 2021

I worked with Tom at MDOT & he was a very nice & hardworking man. I considered him a friend as well as coworker. Rest in Peace.

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