Robert D. Coleman, 92, of Panama, died Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, at 9:35 a.m. at his residence.
Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home in Panama. Social distancing and masks will be required. A private family funeral service will be held at the funeral home with the Rev. Alan M. Hunter officiating. Interment will follow in Sunnyside Cemetery in Sorento.
Mr. Coleman was born June 8, 1928, in Panama the son of Raymond L. “Fuzzy” and Dorothy (Bliss) Coleman. He married Darla M. Freezeland on Nov. 13, 1954, in Edwardsville, and she survives.
A graduate of Hillsboro High School, he proudly served the country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge, he earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Illinois, and then completed his teaching certificate from Greenville College.
He was a lifelong farmer and teacher. He first taught at Coffeen Junior High, where he also coached basketball. He then served as principal of the Donnellson Grade School before retiring from Beckemeyer Elementary School, where he taught fifth grade and coached.
A community and family-minded man, he was one of the founding fathers of the Panama Little League,and was a past member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Panama, and was a member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Greenville. He was also a member of the V.F.W. Post #6628 in Panama, the Panama Senior Citizens and the Knights of Columbus #11707 in Greenville.
He was an avid sports fan, especially wrestling, the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Blues. No matter what the sport was, he was interested. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, tending to his vegetable garden and music. His greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren, especially watching their sporting events and extracurricular activities.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Lynn Wilkinson of Hillsboro, Robert J. (wife Thersa) Coleman of Greenville, Beth Coleman of Panama, Alice (husband Steve) Metcalf of Odin, Catherine (husband Bill) Steinhaus of Downers Grove, Fred (wife Lisa) Coleman of Donnellson, Dorothy (husband Derrick) Madej of Ballwin, MO, and Mary (husband Tom) Murray of Hillsboro; 17 grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son William; infant daughter, Margaret; great-grandson, Garret C. Coleman; and son-in-law, Charles Wilkinson.
Memorials may be made to Litchfield St. Clare Food Pantry, 100-152 N. Montgomery Ave., Litchfield, IL 62056 or Allison’s Angel Gowns, P.O. Box 528, Hamel, IL 62046.
Online condolences may be left at www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com.
