October 24, 1939 – December 18, 2020

On December 18, 2020, Charles “Charley” Coleman, our beloved hero, partner, father, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully at home with his wife and daughters by his side. He lived a life of layers, full of experiences, people, and places he only dreamed of as a boy.

On October 24, 1939, Charley was born in Dallas, Texas, to Mabel and Charles Coleman. He attended public schools in South Dallas and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1957. In the fall of that same year, he accepted a baseball scholarship to Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. In 1961, one year before graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Industrial Arts School, he married Deniza “Dee” Houston. To this union, two beautiful daughters were born: Cathryn Lynnette and Shannon Diane. Although Charley and Dee’s marriage ended in 1974, they remained lifelong friends as they continued to be devoted parents to and exemplary role models for their daughters.

During the early days of his marriage, Charley began a distinguished career in the United States Air Force. Recruited to attend the United States Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB), he completed his training with distinction. Tours of duty took him to Chanute AFB in Illinois, George AFB in California, several bases of The Royal Thai Air Force in Thailand, Tinker AFB in Oklahoma, and Gunter AFB in Alabama. During his military career Charley served four tours of duty in Vietnam and concluded his twenty-year service to the Air Force with the rank of Major at Langley AFB in Virginia. When he retired from the Armed Services, he was fortunate enough to apply his military experiences and knowledge as he worked with defense contractors in the private sector. In 2000, he retired permanently from active employment.

After being a bachelor for more than two decades, Charley met Dr. Linda Brown; they were married in 2001. Because Linda has four daughters, Charley’s family grew exponentially with the addition of these daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. Charley and Linda enjoyed many life-enriching experiences and regularly hosted wonderful blended family gatherings.

Charley was not one to sit on his laurels. While retired, he was invited to be a member of the Fort Bend Appraisal Review Board. Charley was a diligent member for six years.

Charley had three main hobbies. First, he loved raising and spending time with his beloved dogs. Four faithful canine companions come to mind: Homey, Souleaux, Sugar Ray, and Parker. In addition, he loved playing golf. He spent many days with friends golfing at Hermann Park as well as Wildcat and Quail Valley Golf Clubs. His travel plans always included a round of golf. Third, fishing also consumed a lot of his time. His fishing expeditions with friends and family took him to such locations as the banks of the Occoquan River in Lake Ridge, Virginia, and the West Bay in Galveston, Texas.

Charley was preceded in death by his parents, Mabel and Charles Coleman. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Dr. Linda Brown Coleman; daughters Cathyrn Coleman (Houston) and Shannon Coleman (Plano); his first wife, Deniza Coleman (Houston); Linda’s daughters Kecia Foxworth, MD (Plano); Kendra (Reginald) Mhoon PhD (Missouri City); Korie Brown PhD (Houston); Kaylan (Joseph) Henderson MPH (Houston); grandchildren Brent and Lauren Foxworth, Olivia, Reginald, Jr. and Matthew Mhoon, and Marquis and Avery Henderson; numerous cousins as well as extended family, and lifelong friends too numerous to name.

Charley left it all on the field. He was good to go.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Charley’s name to the Houston Area Parkinson Society (H.A.P.S.) or an organization of your choosing.