John Coleman

John Hoffman Coleman, 88, of Spartanburg, passed away on Thursday, August 19, 2010 at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home following an extended illness. Born September 20, 1921, he was the son of the late Gertrude Louis Coleman Chope and John Hoffman Coleman of Newkirk, OK. He grew up in Newkirk, OK, graduated from Newkirk High School where his love of music was developed (cornet) under the direction of Mr. O. H. Attebery. He attended the University of Illinois, received degrees in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering from Oklahoma State University. He did graduate studies at UCLA and received a Master's Degree in Industrial Management at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. He was employed and retired from Monsanto Company in St. Louis and Milliken & Company in Spartanburg. Following his retirement, he spent 23 years as a volunteer at Mobile Meals of Spartanburg and also served on the Board of Directors. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force in WWII and was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain. He served as a meteorologist and as an air traffic controller in the North Atlantic wing. He enjoyed many interests in photography, tennis, his church, his family and many years of music (choirs, bands, and orchestra). He said he loved almost all types of music and all kinds of Presbyterians. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Rosemary Buhrman Coleman; two daughters, Carol Anne Mueller (Allan) of Jefferson City, MO and Kathlyn E. Coleman of Harmony, RI; a son, John Hoffman Coleman, III "Jack" (Marcia) of Spartanburg; eight grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a sister, Mary Frances Jones and a brother, Robert Louis Coleman. A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 23, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. at the First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg, conducted by the Rev. Dr. David A. Renwick, and the Rev. Donald Gibson. Visitation will follow the service in the church social hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mobile Meals Services, P.O. Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304, or to the Newkirk Public Library, 116 N. Maple Avenue, Newkirk, OK 74647 or to the Chancel Choir of First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg, 393 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John Hoffman Coleman please visit our Sympathy Store.