Keith Coleman

Some people make the world a better place just by being in it. That was true of Keith Coleman, a beloved husband and father, who passed away Saturday June 19, 2010, in Gulf Breeze, FL, after a two-year battle with cancer. From his family and close friends to those members of the hospital staff that only just met him, he had an indelible impact on those people he touched. He will be sorely missed. Keith is preceded in death by his parents, Ruby and Trimble Coleman, brothers Randall and Delbert Coleman, and sister Ann Coleman. He is survived by his wife Pamela Coleman; his three daughters, Jessica, Brittany, and Aly; his sisters Betty Mason, Mary Coleman, and Gail Lawson; his brothers Bob and Phillip Coleman; and his dog Barkley, whom he considered, without question, a part of the family. Keith was born the youngest of nine siblings in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. After graduating from high school, Keith attended Eastern Kentucky University and earned a degree in political science and his master's degree in human resource development from Webster University. He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1975 and served for 20 years before retiring. He was also a veteran of the Gulf War. After retirement he worked as a defense contractor for Northrop Grumman. He met Pam in 1981, and the two struck up a courtship although she was living in Alabama and he was stationed in North Carolina. As they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder, and one year later, Keith proposed to Pam by asking her if she would like to join the Air Force. They celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary this year, and during the last two years, they were each other's strength. With personalities as different as night and day, many commented that they complemented and enhanced each other. Keith was also the father of three girls who look up to him as their hero. Whether teaching Jessie the importance of proper car maintenance, helping Britty with one of her many moves, or cheering for Aly on the soccer field, Keith was never more at home or more himself than when he was with his children. His girls came to depend on him as their rock and their counselor, and he never shirked his duties. His girls are all heartbroken over the loss of their dad. Before being diagnosed with cancer in February 2008, Keith was healthy as a horse and loved to work outside. Even when he did catch the occasional cold, he would maintain that it was nothing, and so keep on doing whatever he had intended on doing in the first place. He loved doing chores around the house, gardening and landscaping, and grilling. His peace was at home with his family. Keith is viewed by all who knew him as a man of integrity and stability. So many depended on his level-headed guidance and reliability. However, his family will also remember him for his stubbornness, dry sense of humor, playfulness, and ability to handily diffuse a room full of women with minimal effort. Daddy, we miss you already. Services will be held at the main campus of Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church on Wednesday, June 23 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Rose Lawn Funeral Home of Gulf Breeze entrusted with arrangements. On-line condolences may be expressed at roselawn-fh.com.

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