Verlin "Buddy" Howard Coleman, Sr.

After a productive and energetic 92 years, lived with little regret, Verlin “Buddy” Howard Coleman Sr. left his earthly body and joined eternal life on Monday, August 28, 2023, peacefully in his home surrounded by family.  Verlin, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and life-long pastor left a remarkable legacy and will be missed greatly.

Verlin’s journey began March 22, 1931. He was born to Lawrence and Ella Coleman in Ozan, Arkansas.  As the oldest of his siblings, Buddy remained close to his brother, sisters, and parents throughout his life and loved his family dearly. Known for his size, his nickname growing up was “Biggin” as he carried blocks of ice on his back and worked in the log woods during his childhood. He was a star football player for the Nashville Scrappers when football “was real.” Verlin treasured work ethic and family values as was taught to him by his parents. 

After graduating high school, Verlin joined the Navy and later the Airforce where he spent time in the Philippines, California, Alaska and Texas to serve his country. Verlin met the love of his life, Julia, while stationed in California. The two were wed, had four children, and traveled throughout India for 12 years preaching the gospel as missionaries while raising their family. Verlin laid the foundation for the Assemblies of God in the New Delhi area including establishing a Bible college. His foundational work today has resulted in more than 300 churches in that area.

After returning to the States, Verlin built his home with his own hands, grew his own garden and lived a modest life. During the week, he taught at Clear Lake High School in Clear Lake, TX and drove home every weekend to spend time with family, work in his garden, and preach on Sunday mornings in his local church. After retiring from the public school system, Verlin then taught physical science at UACCH. Altogether, Verlin taught high school and college science for an impressive 50 years.

An avid adventurer, Verlin enjoyed hiking, camping and climbing in the Himalayan Mountains. He led many group expeditions with his science classes at Woodstock International School, as well as climbing Bandarpunch, a 22,000 ft mountain in the Himalayas. He was also known for sneaking on a roller coaster or two without his wife’s consent.

He was preceded in death, and most certain eagerly met at the heavenly gates, by the love of his life of 55 years, Julia “Judy” Coleman, his parents, Lawrence and Ella Coleman, his brother, James Coleman, his son, Lane Coleman, his grandsons, Nathanial James Lee Coleman and Sean McDonald, and the multitude of animals he ridiculously spoiled. A lover of animals, family, and God, we are certain the reunion being held is lively and one to be envied. We can guarantee he ran into the gates of heaven and climbed the first mountaintop he could find. We are even more certain Judy, his wife, was at the bottom of the mountain screaming, “Bud! Get down! Good Gravy!”

Verlin leaves behind 3 children, Verlin Coleman Sr. (Sandy) Lamar, AR; Beckie Loe (Robert) McCaskill, AR; Tom Coleman (Danielle) McCaskill, AR, and Lane’s widow, Teri Loghry (Scott) of Tontitown, AR. Sisters, Jeanette Myrick, McCaskill, AR; Shirley Trevillion (RJ) McCaskill, AR, and Barbara Phillips (Victor) McCaskill, AR. 12 grandchildren, Timothy Coleman (Amelia) Rogers, AR; Lyle Coleman Clarksville, AR; Bethany Franco (Nicholas) Clarksville, AR; Clinton Coleman, Russellville, AR; Tiffany Cagle (Forrest) Prescott, AR; Seth McDonald (Melanie) Springdale, AR; Scott McDonald, Tulsa, OK; Austin Overton (Alyssa) Arkadelphia, AR; Jeremy Loe (Leigh), Prescott, AR; Ashlea Grimes (Randall), Prescott, AR, and Nathanial Coleman, McCaskill, AR. He is also survived by 24 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren. Verlin enjoyed his family and would say “the greater the grandchild, the grander.”

While money was not a value to Verlin, he was wealthy in all the aspects that matter. He raised a happy family, loved them well, and led his family in God’s light.  We are confident he heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” as he entered eternal salvation. Although he will be missed, he left behind a legacy that we will forever cherish and memories that we will hold onto and tell to future generations.

We warmly welcome friends and family during visitation and funeral at Marlbrook Baptist Church. Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 5, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The funeral will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 6, with interment to follow at Merrell Cemetery in McCaskill, AR.

Pallbearers will be Tim Coleman, Seth McDonald, Scott McDonald, Austin Overton, Clinton Coleman and Jeremy Loe.

Honorary pallbearers will be Forrest Cagle, Lyle Coleman and Nathanial Coleman.

Arrangements are under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home, Glenwood, 209 North Third Street, Glenwood, Arkansas, 71943.

Guest registry is at www.smithfamilycares.com.