Gary Allen Coleman

Gary Allen Coleman of Escondido, California, passed from this life to his heavenly home on November 19, 2025, at the age of 72 years old.

Gary was a quick-witted, fun-loving, retail meat market owner and meat cutter; a car guy, who at 19, built and painted his own award-winning 1964 Chevy Impala low-rider named M' Lady, that he would cruise in East L.A. every Sunday evening; a sports player of baseball, which continued in an adult league into his mid-forties, and football that when given a chance to step back on the field, played in a full-tackle game as a 34-year-old dad against the dads of Vista. He was a street motorcycle enthusiast and a desert and Baja rider, loved airplanes of any type, and offered anyone connected to the Navy a side of beef if they got him a ride on a fighter jet. As a small plane owner/pilot, he enjoyed flying friends to Catalina for buffalo burgers or flying the family down the Baja to surprise his parents when they retired there. He grew up in Baldwin Park, the birthplace of In-n-Out, his favorite food, and was proud to say that he ate every day at the original which was down the street from his high school. He had such a love for people and the ability to remember their names. He'd say he would rather talk than eat. He came to Christ at 17 and several years later devoted himself to living for the Lord. He is known for his love of the Gospel and sharing it with others. There were times he would take a friend, a can of gas and toolbox, and drive the freeways to help stranded drivers so he could tell them about Jesus. He was a high school director and young adult leader at church, a Deacon, a verse listener for Awana kids, and for the last few years has had the fun privilege to be Santa at the Snowball Bash, telling children that Christmas isn't about Santa, but pointed them to Jesus. One of Gary's greatest joys was being a grandpa. He loved to cheer his grandchildren on in any game, competition, performance, or activity he was able to attend. Gary's joyful spirit, generous heart, and infectious laugh brought life into every space he entered, he loved life and lived it to the fullest. He made countless friends along the way and was loved by so many.

Gary will be missed, more than words can describe, by his loving wife of almost 51 years, Jeannie. Gary also leaves to cherish his memory his children: Jason Coleman, Jennifer (Chris) Williamson, Ryan (Ashley) Coleman, Geoffrey Coleman; grandchildren: Eric (Courtney Parker) Coleman, David (Eileen Trello) Coleman, Alyssa Coleman, Jayden Jordan, Juan DeLeon, Anthony DeLeon, Luke Williamson, Avery Williamson, Andrew Williamson, Owen Coleman, Reagan Coleman; newborn great grandson: Eli Coleman; sisters Debi (Barry) Bruins, Lynda (Gregg) Hite and many other extended family and friends. Gary is home with his Savior and reunited with twin daughters, Dana Christine and Tawyna Marie, and granddaughter, Ella Kay Coleman. Please join Gary's family for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10 am at Emmanuel Faith Community Church in the Chapel with a reception following the service.