Emmet J. Coleman

Emmet James Coleman, 96, of Bethalto, IL formerly of Oak Hill, WV went to his homecoming on Sunday, April 16, 2006 at Alton Memorial Hospital in Alton, IL with his daughter and son-in-law at his side. Born July 23, 1909 at Winifrede Junction, WV he was the son of the late J. Nathan and Elenor Mae Dooley Coleman. Mr. Coleman worked with the survey crew for the Army Corp of Engineers, Huntington Division retiring in 1971. He served his country with the US Army and was activated from the WV National Guard for World War II and reactivated in 1962 for the Cuban Missile Crisis. Emmet was a member of the Jones Avenue First Church of God, Oak Hill, the American Numismatic Association, National Scrip Collectors Association and enjoyed Civil War memorabilia. He loved West Virginia history, flea markets, yard sales and reading. He enjoyed his family very much and would always ask, "How are my girls?" when talking about his great granddaughters. He married the former Lorene (Wilson) Coleman on February 18, 1944 in Oak Hill, WV and she preceded him in death on Dec. 25, 1992. A granddaughter, Amber Strawn, two sisters, Decima Coleman and Mary Pennock and a brother, George "Jack" Coleman preceded him in death. He is survived and will be missed by his daughter, Cheryl Coleman Strawn and husband, Bill, of Bethalto, IL; one sister, Lula Thompson of Bradley, WV; four grandchildren and their spouses, Charles Coleman and Carrie Strawn of Malibu, CA, Timothy Emmet and Diane Strawn of Cahokia, IL, Scott Willard and Cambra Strawn of San Jose, CA and Sara Suzanne Strawn of Alton, IL; four great grandchildren, Moriah, Jordan, Janae' and Will and was expecting his fifth great grandchild; his pretend grandchildren, Rachel and Christopher Pennington and a host of friends and church family. Visitation will be held at Jones Avenue First Church of God, Oak Hill on Saturday, April 22, 2006, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Services will be on Saturday, April 22, 2006, at 1:00 P.M. at Jones Avenue First Church of God in Oak Hill with Rev. Ralph Shupe and Rev. Richard Bradley officiating. Burial will be at High Lawn Memorial Park., Oak Hill WV with military graveside rites by VFW Post 3110, Oak Hill. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Meadowbrook First Church of God, 222 Maple Drive, Bethalto IL 62010.