John Thomas “Tommy” Coleman

John Thomas “Tommy” Coleman passed into eternal rest on November 14, 2018 at the age of 74 years at his home in Blytheville, Arkansas of natural causes. Tommy was born September 17, 1944 to Mr. and Mrs. William Robert Coleman, Sr. in Blackton, Arkansas. Tommy was married to Ann Palmer on May 25, 1968 in Holly Grove, Arkansas. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and their lifetime of love earlier this year in May.

Mr. Coleman had a distinguished career of 39 years in education having been an educator, coach, principal and ultimately in administration of the Blytheville Public School at the central office. Mr. Coleman received many awards for his achievements and commitment to education during his tenure which included the following: Educator of the Year awarded by the Dumas Arkansas Jaycees; President of the Arkansas High School Principal Association; and Principal of the Year for the State of Arkansas in 1998.

After his retirement in 2006 from the Blytheville Public School System, Mr. Coleman continued his commitment to assisting young adults by remaining active in the administration of the Blytheville Scholarship Fund which he established and which has enabled countless graduates to further their education. The Blytheville Scholarship Fund was the second scholarship fund that Mr. Coleman established, the first having been earlier in his career while principal in Hazen, Arkansas.

Mr. Coleman served his community for two terms as city councilman for the City of Blytheville and as President of the Lions Club. Mr. Coleman was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Blytheville, Arkansas where he served on the Administrative Board, Board of Trustees, Chair of the Finance Committee, Chair of the Grounds Committee and was a member of the Choir.

Mr. Coleman was predeceased by his parents, William Robert Coleman, Sr. and Evelyn Coleman; his brother, William Robert Coleman, Jr.; and three infant grandchildren.

Mr. Coleman is survived by his wife, Ann Coleman of the family home; his son, John Palmer Coleman and his wife Christena Silvey Coleman and granddaughter, Caroline Camille Coleman of West Plains, Missouri ; his daughter, Laura Ann Russell and her husband Bryan Russell and grandson, Walker Coleman Russell of Manila, Arkansas; niece, Hope MacDermant and her husband Sean and great-niece, Emily MacDermant and great-nephew, Andrew MacDermant; sister in law Norma Coleman, brother, Richard Coleman, Holly Grove, Arkansas; sister, Judy Brooks, Columbus, Mississippi; sister, Kay Booker, Brinkley, Arkansas; brother, Howard Coleman, Greenwood, Arkansas.

Mr. Coleman enjoyed woodworking, hunting and gardening but most of all he loved his family, especially his grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church of Blytheville, Arkansas at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mr. Coleman’s honor may be made to the Blytheville Scholarship Fund or the First United Methodist Church of Blytheville, Arkansas. Cobb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.