Robert Elwood Coleman of Port Royal entered into eternal rest Friday, Dec. 1, 2006.
He was born as an only son of the late Rev. Andrew Broaddus Coleman and Rosalie Champ Coleman. His early education was received in Swarthmore High School. He attended and received undergraduate and graduate degrees from Virginia Union University, The Cornell School of Theology at Temple University, the Bryn Mawr School of Social Work and the University of Pennsylvania. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy and for many years as a member of the Selective Services Board. Gainful employment included administrative level service in the YMCA, the Council of Churches and the Presbyterian Church, and as an associate pastor.
He retired in 1988 after many years as an associate director for Church and Community Affairs in the Synod of the Trinity of the Presbyterian Church. His years of Christian service earned many plaudits and recognition from the Presbyterian Church, Western New York Social Services, Rotary International, The United Way, Heifer International Project and a variety of university and community-related responsibilities. During life, he was privileged to have many opportunities, and traveled widely on the European and African continents. During 18 years of retirement in Caroline County, he continued a vigorous life of public service as a councilman and mayor of the town of Port Royal, as president of the Port Royal Ruritan Club and as president of the Germanna Community College Education Foundation. His membership in Milford Presbyterian Church and in the Master Gardeners of Caroline County were important to him, along with a list of other church-related and civil volunteer activities.
His life was well lived, he made and kept many friends and he left each corner of the world he was privileged enough to occupy a little bit better. He will be missed.
Bob was the devoted husband of Cleopatra Kay Coleman and beloved father to daughter Sylvia Kay Coleman and to sons Michael Radcliff Coleman and Jonathan Todd Coleman. He was predeceased by his son, Michael. He cherished two grandchildren, Brandon Russell Coleman and Nichole Renee Coleman, a loving daughter in law, Cynthia Floyd Coleman, and an "adopted" daughter, Mary. They mourn his passing along with three sisters-in-law, five brothers-in-law, several cousins and many friends.
A funeral will be held Thursday, Dec. 7, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Storke Funeral Home, Bowling Green. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Port Royal Ruritan Club, Port Royal, Va. 22535.
Sign register book online at storkefuneralhome.com.