William Henry Coleman

BLISSFIELD CHAPEL-William Henry "Bill" Coleman, age 80, of rural Deerfield, died Thursday evening, September 11, 2025, at Flower Hospital in Sylvania. Born September 13, 1944, in Adrian, he was the middle child of nine from the union of the late William and Rose (Virden) Coleman.

Bill grew up in Stockbridge and later Petersburg until he was 10, and then lived with his aunt and uncle Edith and Roscoe Shirley while he attended Blissfield Schools. He met his cousin's pen pal from Allentown, PA, the former Donna Marie Riess, on her first visit to Michigan in July of 1966. The two immediately fell in love and were married just a few months later on October 1, 1966. Together they raised two daughters and cherished 59 wonderful years of companionship.

Bill dedicated 42 years to the former Tecumseh Products, where he worked as a forklift operator and retired in 2007 from the Clinton plant. Alongside his factory work he also farmed for Paul Vergote.

A true outdoorsman, Bill enjoyed hunting deer and pheasant as well as fishing throughout his life. He enjoyed several family vacations, whether it was to visit Donna's family in PA, Shipshewana, or van camping throughout the State of Michigan. Bill and Donna celebrated their 35th Anniversary in Townsend, TN, enjoying the honeymoon they never had.

An Avid card player, Bill partnered with Donna in playing Euchre with several other couples in the area. He was locally renowned for his baking-especially his various pies with his secret-recipe crusts. Later in life he enjoyed the blessings of his grandchildren. He will be fondly remembered for his stubborn yet kind-hearted nature and his generosity to others, always willing to help anyone in need.

In addition to his wife, he will be greatly missed by his two daughters, Tiffany (Timothy) Robinson of Dundee and Sabrina Mehan of Adrian; siblings, Eleanor Baker of Adrian, Vivian Cooper of Adrian, Bob (Carolyn) Coleman of Adrian, Russell (Brenda) Coleman of Waldo, FL, and Rose Mills of Adrian; his five grandchildren, Ashli, Jade, Brooke, Andrew and Madison; and three great-grandchildren, Ryin, Michael and Saige.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Violet Sayers, Mary Edith Bornson and Janet Canales; and his special aunt and uncle Edith and Roscoe Shirley.

In accordance with Bill's wishes cremation will take place, and no public services will be held. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Marry Funeral Home, Blissfield.