Bill H. Coleman was born in Pennington Gap, Virginia on December 25, 1928 to Bernard and Margaret Coleman and grew up in the coal camps of West Virginia. He graduated from Big Creek High School at 17, and joined the army early by lying about his age. He was stationed at The Presidio in San Francisco, California.  After completing his service, Bill and a friend drove back from California to West Virginia in his new car with a wolf whistle horn. Upon his return, he moved to Delbarton, West Virginia where his parents were living and working.  There he met the love of his life, Lola Fae Coleman.  Despite threats from her brothers, he pursued her, and they were married on June 24, 1949.

They soon started a family with children Keith and Sue.  Bill worked in the coal mines to support his young family, but was able to get a business degree from Roanoke, Virginia using the GI Bill.  In the mid-1950's the family moved to Cleveland, Ohio where Bill got a job as  secretary in the Tool & Die Shop at Precision Metalsmiths, Inc. While in Cleveland, their son Scott was born. Bill worked hard to move his way up through the company.  In 1964, when PMI opened a new factory in Wisconsin, he was transferred to Markesan, Wisconsin and promoted to Plant Manager with Phil Myers.  Shortly after moving to Wisconsin, their daughter Lisa was born.

One of the roles in this job involved traveling to exotic places such as Japan, Germany, South Korea, and the former Yugoslavia to train others.  He enjoyed learning about new cultures and meeting new people. While in Markesan, Bill was a member of the Lion's Club and the United Methodist Church. He served regularly by volunteering at Pork Roasts, Chicken Dinners, and as president of the Lion's Club.  Bill also worked with the local Boy Scout Troop as Assistant Scoutmaster.  Backpacking and hiking Glacier National Park, The Great Smoky Mountains, and The Badlands, as well as many canoe trips were just a few of the adventures had by the troop during that time.

In 1985, Bill was promoted to CEO of Precision Metalsmiths, Inc. and he and Fae moved back to Cleveland.  One of his job responsibilities, besides running the company, was to play golf with customers.  He found in golf his second love. He continued to travel with the company, taking Fae with him to Korea and Yugoslavia and fitting in a trip of their own to London and Paris.

Upon retirement in 1993, Bill and Fae returned to Markesan to be closer to family. Bill needed many hobbies to keep him busy during retirement. He played golf as often as he could, only limited by the weather and the energy of his golf partners.  He excelled at gardening and he even took over cooking and baking from Fae, keeping his friends and neighbors in jelly and cakes throughout the years. He also shared his treats with friends and family who weren't nearby with regular care packages. While back in Markesan he rejoined the Lions Club, helped out with the Green Lake County Food Pantry, and joined the Markesan Historical Society.

Bill and Fae traveled regularly to visit friends and family across the country.  Bill loved having the freedom to move around and see people and places throughout his retirement.

Bill loved his family, friends, and community, and he loved life and lived life to its fullest.  Bill Coleman passed away on March 8, 2020.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents: Bernard and Margaret Coleman, and his sister Dorothy Hinkle.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Lola Fae Coleman of Markesan, and his brother, Robert Coleman (Mariann) of Boulder City, NV.  He is also survived by his children, Keith Coleman (Kayne) of De Pere, Wisconsin, Karen Sue Huse (Gordy Huse) of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Scott Coleman(Margo) of Madison, Wisconsin,  and Lisa Coleman(Steve Berry) of Corcoran, California; in addition to 6 grandchildren:  Michael, Kael, Katie, and Kaden Coleman, and Rachel and Nicole Berry; and 5 great grandchildren: Cash, Kace, Kaia, Quinn, and Harrison. He will be missed by all, but his passion and his spirit will continue on through them.

In honoring Bill's wishes, private family services will be held.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 181 S. Main St., Markesan is honored to be serving the family.