Robert Leon Coleman was born July 26, 1940 in Roscoe, MO, to Dwight Leon Coleman and Helen June (Loftin) Coleman and departed this life on May 17, 2018 at his home.
He is survived by his wife, Nelda, of the home; two nephews, Tony Wayne Gilvert of Ozark, MO, and C.L. Gilbert; Aunt, Judy Vickers of Clinton, MO; and many treasured friends and relatives of his wife, Nelda.
Robert was preceded in death by his father in 1986, his only brother, Ronald Neal Coleman in 1999, and his mother in 2005.
Robert grew up in Roscoe attending grade school and later high school in Osceola. He was proud he and his brother worked summers and weekends to be able to purchase an automobile. Robert was active in basketball, baseball and softball, and many school activities.
He often mentioned his dad loading up many boys and girls for a swimming trip to nearby Sac River. Many happy memories resulted from frequent evening family sessions of homemade ice cream and watermelons.
After high school graduation Robert moved to Kansas City area where he worked briefly for Hallmark Cards and Manor Bakeries. He was drafted, but deferred at the last minute by President Kennedy’s proclamation to exempt College students. He earned a college degree in Business Administration.
He began working for J.C. Penny Regional Credit office in Mission KS in 1960 as a Telephone Collector; advanced through numerous Supervisory appointments before promotions into Regional Management positions over a 15 State Region. He frequently traveled opening new Shopping Centers – managing bad debt writeoffs, Public Relations working in Washington D.C. as an appointee to aid in the Federal Truth In Lending Act of 1968, Robert often talked about J.C. Penny’s pioneer involvement in point of Sale Cash Registers, he was awed at the Technological advances of today.
Robert married Mary Inman in 1971 an associate with his company. They resided in Shawnee, KS and both served as volunteer EMT’s and Fire Fighters. He helped to raise his former stepdaughter Shelly and continued to remain in touch with her.
Robert was a victim of vocal cord cancer in 1979 which shortened his nineteen year career with J.C. Penny Co.
In early 1980 he moved to El Dorado Springs area. He was a successful General Contractor until another bout with cancer in 2005. After recovery he remained active in various projects.
Robert married Nelda (Julian) Helt in 1989. They were able to travel extensively in US and abroad and yearly cruises to Bahamas, Hawaii, and Alaska, they enjoyed many friends and family gatherings.
He was a longtime member of the former Great Oaks Country Club, former Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Lifetime Board member and presently Co-Curator of Preserve Our Past Society Museum, Chamber of Commerce member, Active participation and donator in ARC of Hope for Battered Housewives, Active in First Baptist Church, Active in Lighthouse Theatre project, Eagles #4279 serving several terms as Treasurer.
Robert enjoyed volunteering in most anything to benefit others. He enjoyed various coffee shop visits with his friends, he was an avid bow-hunter, enjoyed fishing, golf and yard work.
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