Gerald Coleman

Gerald Lex Coleman, the son of Joe and Fern (Renfro) Coleman, was born August 15, 1940 in Stilwell, Oklahoma and passed from this life on August 4, 2022 at the age of 81.

Gerald was married to Sue Coleman on October 5, 1962, living the majority of their married life in Stilwell. Together, they owned the Christian Family Bookstore which was in operation for 25+ years. They thought of and used that venue as a personal ministry to all that came through the door.

Gerald proudly served in the Oklahoma National Guard and joined the Oklahoma Highway Patrol in 1966, graduating the 20th Academy class. He had an associates degree in Police Science. His first OHP assignment was out of Enid, OK where he and Sue resided in Cherokee, OK. He transferred to the Muskogee Turnpike in Muskogee, OK. He and his family lived in Fort Gibson, OK until his final transfer to Stilwell in Adair County where he remained until his retirement on January 2, 1986. In 1989, Gerald began his service as Adair County Sheriff where he served two and a half terms.

Gerald was first and foremost a faithful servant of his Lord Jesus Christ. He lived his life in a way that served God in every thought and action. He was not perfect but really worked at living pleasing to the Lord.

Gerald and Sue attended the Freewill Baptist Worship Center in Tahlequah for the last several years. They were both involved in church where he taught Sunday School class. Twice a year to the Mission in Mexico that they supported, they would gather school supplies, hygiene items and age appropriate Spanish coloring books or toys. Spanish Bibles were also supplied. These items were placed in backpacks and sent to the Mission every July and December. The children of Mexico are not allowed to attend school if they don't have their own supplies. Trips to distribute the comforts and backpacks were a great highlight of their service to our Lord.

Gerald loved Southern Gospel music. He enjoyed going with his family to any concerts, "singings" that were even remotely close enough to attend. Sue and Gerald attended the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY for many years until health began to interfere with desires.

Gerald made a lasting impression on all he met - treating people with respect and the love of Christ was his way. All that knew him loved him and he will be greatly missed.

It was Gerald's greatest wish and heartfelt desire that all his family would make Jesus Christ Lord of their lives and would live a life pleasing to Him. His message to anyone listening would be "There is only one way to join me - give your life to Jesus, make Him your Lord and Master, and serve Him. Then when your own journey is over, you can join me in Heaven with Jesus Himself. I love you."

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sue Coleman and three brothers Bill Coleman, Jim Coleman, Harold Coleman and a host of other relatives.

He is survived by his daughter Catherine Ross and husband Clyde of Stilwell, OK; his son Michael Coleman and wife Melinda of Kansas City, KS; grandchildren David Rye, Jarrod Rye and wife Michelle of Stilwell, Tiffany Box and husband Brian of Littleton, CO, Tesla Hodges and husband Drew of Siloam Springs, AR and Brett Coleman of Stilwell, OK; great grandchildren Nate Rye, Kyle Rye, Damien Mayton, Mariah Mayton, Katelyn Mayton, Kalub Mayton and Makayla Mayton all of Fort Gibson, OK, Jaydon Rye of Muskogee, OK, Dillon Coon and Lisa Ruben of Stilwell, OK, Michael Ray and Travis Monholland of Muskogee, OK and Zoe Box of Littleton, CO, Owen Hodges of Siloam Springs, AR.