Rev. David Coleman

Piedmont, WV

David Earl Coleman, 85, passed away at his home on Erin Street, August 19, 2018 in the presence of his family and loved ones. Born January 24, 1933 in Piedmont, WV, David was the 12th of 13 children born to Paul and Marguerite (Howard) Coleman who preceded him in death, along with four sisters. Infant, Gracie Frances, Pauline (Coleman) Gates, Marguerite (Coleman) Hill and Loretta (Coleman) Stewart of Charleston, WV. Seven brothers, James, Sr., Wilman, Charles, Sr., Philadelphia, PA; Raymond, Paul; Frostburg, Howard, and Alvin Coleman Prairie View, TX.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years Carolyn Victoria (Brown) Coleman, daughter and grandson, Clarissa and Josiah Coleman of Parkersburg, WV and his last surviving sibling, the Reverend Harry A. Coleman, a host of Nieces, Nephews both grand and great, and a special brother-in-law and friend, Barry Brown of Belpre, Ohio.

David graduated from Howard High School in the class of 1950 and later enlisted in the Military serving in the US Air Force until honorably discharged in 1955. He attended Potomac State College, majoring in Journalism and was employed briefly at ABL in the Public Relations Department. He later went to work at Westvaco Pulp & Paper as a courier, and after completing a course in Drafting, was promoted to the position of Draftsman.

At the time of his retirement in December 1993 he had received a promotion to that of Roll Coordinator in the Engineering Department.

David was a wonderful husband, “Awesome” father and “Poppers”, good brother and friend to many. To his family and friends he was known as “Earlkie” and “Erkie”.

David was a man of God and dedicated pastor to Immanuel Church for over 30 years, he was a member of the Tri-Towns Ministerial Association, served as Chairperson of the Tri-Towns Food Pantry for 15 years, and was active in many civic organizations.

David received a special blessing from God the last several months of his life, by being in the care of Mountain Hospice, and Jane Phillips, RN along with Megan and Darla, CNA’s and daily caregivers Kathy Jenkins and Laure’ Vailancourt who took loving care of him. We were both blessed by having them in our lives.

He served 2 terms as City Councilman in the 1970’s, and was the founder of the Don Redman Society of Piedmont, and worked diligently with Todd Bolton, National Park Service, Harper’s Ferry, WV to have the sign made and erected entering Piedmont from Westernport, in commemoration of Piedmont being the birthplace of Don Redman “The Little Giant of Jazz”.

David loved music, however his favorite was Jazz, and spent hours listening to it along with Johnny Mathis, Gloria Lynn, and other musicians of that era.

He was also an avid hunter and looked forward to each year, when the fall hunting season opened. He would hunt deer and small game, but the small game was his preference, since it presented more of a challenge.

David will be terribly missed by his family and those who knew him well.

The family will be receiving friends at the Boal Funeral Home, Westernport from 2-4 & 6-8, Friday, August 24. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 25 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 34 Jones Street, Piedmont at 11:00 AM, with the Rev. Harry A. Coleman officiating.

Interment will be at the Potomac Memorial Gardens, Keyser, directly following the service.