Rev. Charles Coleman Jr.

1945 - 11

The Rev. Charles Coleman Jr. departed this life and went on to eternal glory to rest in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010. He was born Nov. 9, 1945. God, family and the GOP were most important to him in this life. He had recently retired from Bechtel Bettis, West Mifflin, after 42 years of service. Charles had been the former president of the Western Westmoreland Republican Club, North Huntingdon, had served on the Pennsylvania Republican state committee and was a former district committee person. One of his proudest moments in politics occurred when he and his youngest daughter met former President George W. Bush. He enjoyed politics and each election cycle would find him working the polls at the Straw Pump Firehall. He was the associate pastor of Bethel AME, Irwin, where his true ministry was emphasizing the importance of education, not only to his children, but to all the youth of the church. He was very proud when each graduating class from the year 2002 went on to attend college and graduate. He was particularly proud of our most recent attendee. His other ministerial calling was administrative and included tidbit readings in our Sunday bulletins. Some were found to be amusing, but all were thought-provoking and enjoyed by all. Charles was the son of the late Willie Mae (Schumpert) Coleman and the late Charles Coleman Sr. He was a graduate of Sewickley Area High School, Herminie. Charles was a veteran of the Army and did a tour of duty overseas in Vietnam. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 36 years, Marilyn (Robinson) Coleman; and to continue his legacy, his pride and joys, a son, John Charles Coleman, of North Huntingdon; and daughters, Rachel Melissa Coleman, of Washington, D.C., and Amanda Lynn Coleman (his babe), at home; and mother-in-law, Lillian Robinson, of Herminie. Charles was also the beloved brother of Leonard Coleman, of Irwin, Clarence Coleman, of Irwin, Rebecca Cofield, of Detroit, Mich., Carl (Shirley) Coleman, of Irwin, Arthur Coleman, of McKeesport, the Rev. Kenneth (Rev. Earlene) Coleman, of McKeesport, Rozeda (Rick) Phillips, of Sandston, Va., Garry Coleman, of North Versailles, Richard Coleman, of Scott Haven, Pa., Larry (Lucille) Coleman, of McKeesport, and Rinard Coleman, of West Newton; also left to celebrate his life and memories are sisters-in-law, Cheryl (Russell) Brown, of Philadelphia, Mavis Rainey, of Pittsburgh, Debra Rainey, of Philadelphia, Theresa Wood, of Decatur, Ga.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and family. Charles will be truly missed for his larger-than-life personality, his forceful conviction on life's family values and, at times, the very irritating know-it-all brother, uncle and friend. Friends will be received from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday at the WILLIAM SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, 521 Main St., Irwin, 724-863-1200. Additional viewing will be from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Bethel AME Church, 304 Walnut St., Irwin. Services will follow at noon with his pastor, the Rev. Donus Crawford, officiating. Those wishing may contribute to the Educational Scholarship Fund of Bethel AMB Church, 304 Walnut St., Irwin, PA 15642.