Thomas E. Coleman, Sr.

Thomas E. Coleman, Sr., 80, a resident of Millsboro, DE, passed away on December 29, 2023 at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, DE. He was born on October 12, 1943 in Lumberton, NC, the son of William E. and Virginia E. Humphrey Coleman.

He graduated in 1962 from Warwick High School in Newport News, VA, and joined the U.S. Air Force where he served as a C-130 crew chief during the Vietnam War. Following his service, he returned to Virginia where he began a long career with Allegheny Airlines/USAir/US Airways in Newport News, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Manchester NH, and Charlotte, NC, working as a customer service agent, supervisor, assistant station manager, and station manager. He was later employed in restaurant management.

Tom was a past president of the Allenstown Pembroke NH Lions Club and a former volunteer with Beebe Healthcare's Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. He was an avid reader and history buff, and he spent many years researching his family genealogy. He loved doing crossword puzzles, and he made an incredible chili based on his beloved dad's recipe. Tom was an enthusiastic fisherman and a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, suffering and celebrating with his favorite team for decades.

Most importantly, he was devoted to his family. Tom especially loved reading to his kids when they were little, was active in the Boy Scouts with his sons, and was proud to be the first "Homeroom Dad" at Chatham Park Elementary School in Havertown, PA. He loved taking the family to the beach every year and especially enjoyed playing mini golf with the kids and sitting on the screened porch reading. He cherished family get-togethers and holiday celebrations, and enjoyed reminiscing and chatting with his cousins and old friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Rhonda G. Coleman, and his infant son, Wesley. Survivors include his wife of forty years, Christina (Tina) Coleman (nee Nelson) of Millsboro, DE; his former wife, Barbara Coleman of Sacramento, CA; children Diane R. Davis (Norbert) of Elk Grove, CA, Michael A. Coleman (Laura) of Fair Oaks, CA; A. Melissa Coleman of Chicago, Thomas E. Coleman, Jr. (Rachel) of West Chester, PA, and Dennis W. Coleman (Annemarie) of Philadelphia; grandchildren Thomas and Branden Coleman and Zachary and Wesley Davis; sister-in-law Missy Nelson of Havertown, PA and brother- and sister-in-law Ted and Kim Nelson of Elverson, PA; nephew Scott Collins (Michele), niece Billie Gunter (Butch), many much-loved cousins and friends, and Gus, his beloved family dog. Tom will be deeply missed by us all.

A memorial service will be held at the Llanerch Presbyterian Church, 211 Lansdowne Road, Havertown, PA 19083 on April 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Gifts in Tom's memory may be made to Tom's local affiliate of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to support their work providing free books to children and fostering a love of reading, as he did for his children. This may be done at: https://bit.ly/ImaginationLibraryCapeHenlopen.