Coleman Thomas Burns

Florida mourns the loss of another native son, Coleman Thomas Burns, a true Floridian born and raised in New Smyrna Beach/Samsula. His formative years were a symphony of countryside and beach, where he found his greatest joy. His love for the ocean was not just a part of his life; it was his life. He was overjoyed to return to New Smyrna Beach, living near the ocean he loved so much. His passion for the outdoors and the ocean was a defining part of his character, a connection to nature that was deeply felt by all who knew him.
A gorgeous blonde-haired, blue-eyed boy he was the perfect gift from God. His smile broke a heart or two, and growing up as an only child, his vibrant personality enabled him to engage anyone in conversation.
Coleman was very talented in many things. He loved the outdoors and spent several years as a commercial fisherman. He was so happy being on the water, and when he would call me while out on the boat, I heard a peace and joy in him that I never had before. He was also an accomplished landscaper and enjoyed growing and maintaining various plants. He was artistically inclined and drew, painted, and was accomplished with the alto saxophone, which he played in the school band for a time. Cole attended Daytona State College's culinary program and loved to cook, especially for friends and families. He was always the first to volunteer to cook holiday meals.
A genuinely natural athlete, Coleman played soccer, was an excellent surfer, skateboarded, and was just good at everything he tried. No mother should have to do this, but knowing how many lives he touched comforts me. He lives on in his son Levi. Please wrap your prayers around that little boy and his mother, Jaymie. To grow up without a father is unimaginable. I know Cole was never the same after his father, Tom, passed a month before he turned 16. I would ask any men who knew Coleman to share whatever "manly wisdom" you may have with my precious grandson should you ever meet.
My beautiful baby boy is with his heavenly father, God, now. He is with those who preceded him in life, including his father, Thomas Edward Burns; his grandfathers, William Roland Scheidegger and Edward Thomas Burns; grandmother, Elizabeth Burns; and many childhood friends who left this earth too soon. Coleman is survived by his son Levi Thomas Burns; significant other Jaymie Leigh Kargas; me-his mother, Morgan Mary Elizabeth Burns; his grandmother Judith Scheidegger; aunts Melanie Matson and Michelle Evers (John); cousins Dustin Matson, Brandon Matson, Tara Matson (Melanie), Jarett Evers, and Lilly Evers (Michelle & John); his godmother Chris Connors; and many close friends and "brothers."
A celebration of life is scheduled for August 4th from 12 to 3 p.m. at the SNPJ Lodge in Samsula (New Smyrna Beach), Florida. If you have any stories or happy memories you would like to share, please write them on paper, if possible, to give to his son Levi when he is old enough to understand them. We will collect them in a box that day. I know Coleman would love that. Thank you.