Robert D. Coleman

Robert D. Coleman, 92, of Panama, passed away at 9:35 a.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at his residence.

Bob was born on June 8, 1928 in Panama, the son of Raymond L. “Fuzzy” and Dorothy (Bliss) Coleman.  He married Darla M. Freezeland on November 13, 1954 in Edwardsville.

Bob graduated from Hillsboro High School, and went on to proudly serve our country in the United States Army in the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from the University of Illinois, and then completed his Teaching Certificate at Greenville College.  Bob was a lifelong farmer and teacher. He first taught at Coffeen Junior High, where he also coached basketball, and then served as principal of the Donnellson Grade School, before retiring from Beckemeyer Elementary, where he taught 5th grade and coached. 

He was a community and family minded man.  Bob was one of the founding fathers of the Panama Little League, and he was a past member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Panama, a current member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Greenville, as well as the V.F.W. Post #6628 in Panama, the Panama Senior Citizens, and the Knights of Columbus #11707 in Greenville. He was an avid sports fan, especially wrestling, the St. Louis Cardinals, and St. Louis Blues.  No matter what the sport was, Bob was interested.  He enjoyed traveling with Darla, tending to his vegetable garden, and music.  Bob’s greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren, especially watching their sporting events and extracurricular activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, William; infant daughter, Margaret; great grandson, Garret C. Coleman; and son-in-law, Charles Wilkinson.

Bob is survived by his wife, Darla M. Coleman of Panama; children, Lynn Wilkinson of Hillsboro, Robert J. (wife, Thersa) Coleman of Greenville, Beth Coleman of Panama, Alice (husband, Steve) Metcalf of Odin, Catherine (husband, Bill) Steinhaus of Downers Grove, Fred (wife, Lisa) Coleman of Donnellson, Dorothy (husband, Derrick) Madej of Ballwin, MO, and Mary (husband, Tom) Murray of Hillsboro; 17 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation: The family will receive guests from 11:00-1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 8, 2021 at Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home, 117 Walnut Street, Panama, IL 62077.  Social distancing will be required, as well as the wearing of masks.  A private family funeral ceremony will be held at the funeral home with Rev. Alan M. Hunter officiating.

Interment will follow the ceremony at Sunnyside Cemetery in Sorento.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Litchfield St. Clair Food Pantry, 100-152 N. Montgomery Ave. Litchfield, IL 62056, or Allison’s Angel Gowns, PO Box 528, Hamel, IL 62046.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences to the family.