Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1936
DIED
2025
Ernest Coleman Obituary
Buddy was born on May 6, 1936, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Emanuel Dorsey and Cora Coleman. He graduated from Fort Smith High School in 1953 and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Business Administration from Ouachita Baptist University in 1961. He was the founder of ERC Properties and Rausch Coleman Homes.
While he had a great passion for work, his love for his family and church was evident throughout his life. He taught Sunday school for many years and loved spending weekends at "The Farm" with his children and grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, generosity, mentorship, and service.
Buddy is survived by his beloved wife, Lynn D. Coleman; his children Ernest Robert "Rod" Coleman Jr. and Kathy of Fort Smith, Patti and Fred Rausch of Springdale, and Ashley Dover of Fayetteville; his sister Cathy Colley. He is survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who he was lovingly referred to as "Pop". His grandchildren: Ernest Robert "Rob" Coleman III and wife Jessica of Rogers; Elizabeth Coleman Voris and husband Justin of Fort Smith; John Robert Rausch and wife Ashley of Fayetteville; Mollie Rausch Lieux and husband Stephen of Fayetteville; Skyler Wayne Bieker and Delilah Jane Bieker of Fayetteville; and his great grandchildren Preston Robert Coleman, Anna Scarlett Coleman, Katherine Rebekah Voris, Coleman David Voris, Abigail Elise Voris, John Henry Rausch, John William "Jack" Rausch, Margaret Rose Rausch, Caroline Louise Lieux, and William Thomas Lieux. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters Lori Anderson and Jenny Davis.
The celebration of life service will be Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Cross Church in Springdale, Arkansas. The family will visit with family and friends from 9:30-10:45 a.m.
In lieu of flowers and plants, the family ask that donations be made to Union Christian Academy, 4201 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72904 or online at www.unioneagles.org.
To sign the online guest book please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Coleman
3 Entries
BJG
January 7, 2026
Mr. Buddy Coleman -A trusted friend, and a man who helped young families fulfill their dreams. He encouraged young businessmen to build companies, touched countless lives, loved big, was loved, reached souls, and left a legacy we see every day.
Thank you, sir.
How you can show support
Carolyn Meek Nelson
January 7, 2026
I am sorry to hear about Buddy. We were Fort Smith High School classmates. He was always proud of the fact that he was the youngest in our class of 1953!
Brian J. Green
January 6, 2026
The man, the myth, the legend. Great Man, great mentor and friend. Love ya Mr. Buddy - BJG
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Ernest Coleman's name
Memorial Events
for Ernest Coleman
People and places connected with Ernest
Tulsa, OK
Tulsa World
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Ernest's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Ernest Coleman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
