OBITUARY Benjamin Clary Coleman October 19, 1950 – September 22, 2018 In Loving Memory of Benjamin C. Coleman 10/19/1950 – 09/22/2018 Benjamin Clary Coleman, Sr., born 19 October 1950, at Redlands Community Hospital, passed away at home 22 September 2018 after fighting hard against kidney failure and other body ailments stemming from diabetes. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Louise (Hinkson) Coleman to whom he was married for 45 years, 8 children (Benjamin, Bryson, Bryan, Rebecca, Robert, Bonnie, Bradley, and William), and 35 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents – Benjamin E. and Clarice M. (Cole) Coleman, elder brother – Timothy Cole Coleman, and grandson – Logan Christopher Coleman.
As the son of a military man, he lived in various locations including New Mexico, Arizona, Japan, and graduated high school in Germany. Shortly after marrying Kathleen in Oakland, California in 1973, they lived in an apartment above Lombard’s Mortuary where he worked as security and general helper. Before joining the United States Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne, he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance at California State University, Sacramento.
In 1977, he left the military and began working for General Motors until 2000. Shortly thereafter he began work as a Police Officer at Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino. He retired after 5 years of service.
While retired, he served one term on the board of directors for East Valley Water District in Highland, California. For a few years, he enjoyed donning the Santa suit for the Lakewood Mall and other venues as a natural bearded Santa. It was a natural fit with his barreling laugh, turned ‘Ho Ho Ho.
’ He loved seeing joy in the children’s eyes. Benjamin was always interested in gardening. No plot was big enough, with his largest garden being in Arkansas, spanning over 6 acres.
During retirement, he took a class that helped him achieve the status of Master Gardener. He acquired the knack for finding deals from his mom and would always share in the bounty. He developed a free newsletter he called “Deals of the Week” which he passed out among fellow church congregants, co-workers, friends, and anyone interested in finding a great bargain.
This newsletter was passed out for approximately 30 years. There was always a current ad to all the local grocery stores inside the home. Ben loved all things Disney to the point that he would leave church early to watch the Disney program of the day earlier in his marriage.
His favorite motto was the golden rule and would often quote Matthew 25:40. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he was also an avid genealogist and passed on as many letters, pictures, and heirlooms as he could to his surviving children. He had many stories of ancestors long past and would willingly share them any time.
Ben and Kathleen would celebrate their anniversary on a monthly basis, making the 28th of every month special. From his courtship with Kathleen until his health debilitated him, he always opened the door for his bride, no matter the weather. He delighted traveling the world with his wife.
During his life, he visited every continent excepting Antarctica and visited all 50 of the United States. Cruises were his favorite, with the longest being a 63 day cruise in 2017. His love for family was always apparent.
He forded the flooded creek in Arkansas with each child on his back to make sure they got to school. Scholarship was always forefront on his mind. He consistently expected the highest academic achievement from his children, which resulted in a couple valedictorians, a salutatorian, and children with varying college degrees and honors designations.
All six of his boys earned the Eagle Scout honor. Ben loved serving his community as scoutmaster. There were always newspaper clippings of Family Circle or Precious Moments taped near his home computer.
As a wordsmith, it was rare not to hear a pun, quip, or quote. Common quotes included the 5 P’s, “Good things come to those who wait, but only those left behind by those who hustle,” and “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, you’ll be a man my boy”. Finally, we love you, raising our hands in the ASL sign you so frequently showed and will miss you as our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
