Colonel Kenneth R. Coleman USAF (Retired)

United States Air Force Colonel (retired) Kenneth R. Coleman, born 11 May 1940 in Baltimore, MD, passed away peacefully 25 September 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Col. Coleman was a graduate of Towson High School in Baltimore, MD and received his Bachelor of Science from Syracuse University 1968. He furthered his education career earning a Master's degree in business from the University of Texas in 1974. Col. Coleman enlisted in the Air Force in 1962, was a Vietnam veteran, and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for almost 32 years. His first assignment in 1962 was to Craig AFB as a ground radio repairman. In 1964, while stationed at Anderson AFB, Guam, he was selected to attend Officer Training School. Col. Coleman served as Squadron Commander for the 3568th Recruiting Squadron, Fort Douglas, UT as well as Commander of the 3505th Recruiting Group at Chanute AFB, IL. Ken proudly retired from the Air Force in January 1994 at Randolph AFB, where he was Director of Recruiting Operations at Headquarters Recruiting Services. Ken's military awards include Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medals, Joint Service Accommodation Medal, and Air Force Accommodation Medals. He then started his second career working for USAA: first as an auto claims adjustor, and then to the Property & Casualty staff as a PRIDE advisor, where he retired for the second time in 2003. Ken was an avid golfer and enjoyed traveling abroad with friends and family. He was also very active in the local community, serving as a board member for the Judson ISD Bond Committee, Oversite Bond Committee, and President of Judson's Education Foundation. Ken was happily married to the former Sherrie Watkins of San Antonio, TX for 40 years; they were married 14 February 1976 in San Antonio, TX. Col. Coleman was preceded in death by his father, Richard Willis Coleman; his mother, Mary Eleanor Coleman; and his stepfather, Albert Weidner. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Sherrie Coleman; his sons, Doug Coleman, Michael Bradley & wife Lisa, Greg Coleman & wife Greta, Shawn Batchelor & wife Tonya; his grandsons, Bradon, Dylan, Kyson, & Brandon; his granddaughters, Samantha, Madison, Kaley, Jazzlin, & Kristen Fortney & her husband Justin; his great granddaughter, Harper Jo; his sister, Mary Lou Lamtman & husband Robert; his brother, Glenn Coleman & wife Michele; his sisters-in-law, Debbe Stouse & Michelle Watkins; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. Ken will be sadly missed by his family, friends, extended Air Force family, and two best furry friends, Molly & Toby. SERVICE THURSDAY OCTOBER 6, 2016 9:30 A.M. PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL A military ceremony will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors. Donations can be made in Ken's name to the American Cancer Society and any animal rescue of your choice.