Ronald Eugene Coleman

Ronald (Ronnie) Eugene Coleman, age 76, of Jefferson City, died peacefully on Friday, December 24, 2021, at Capital Region Hospital in Jefferson City, following complications in his fierce battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. It is with heavy hearts that we share this news of the passing of a most cherished and honored member of our family. Ronnie will live on with us as a model of strength and life well lived, treasured by family and the community as a man of faith, a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, a trailblazing athlete and coach, and a stranger to no one. Born on September 3, 1945, in Jefferson City, Missouri to his parents, Virgil and Mary Coleman, Ronnie lived life serving and contributing to the Jefferson City community - always centered on Jefferson City as "home". He graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1963 and went on to attend the University of Missouri - Columbia where he graduated in 1967 with a degree in Education. Ronnie blazed a trail of athletic success, setting championship basketball records at both the high school and college levels that remain standing to this day. He was a member of Solid Rock Church. Ronnie married his college sweetheart, Jacqueline Wright, in 1967, and for 54 years lived an example of devotion and family-first values. Ronnie's known signature of kindness and warm genuine counsel will be missed by all. Every shot of Woodford Reserve whisky or good cigar will keep the memory of his laughter and life well lived full in our hearts - whether together fishing, out on the golf course, hanging at the house, or just touring around town. Ronnie is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Coleman (Wright) of Jefferson City, Mo.; their children, Candice Franklin (Coleman) and Kristin Coleman of Atlanta, Ga.; grandchildren, Kori Anderson, Kaci Franklin, Karis Coleman, and Kylie Stocks of Atlanta, Ga.; and sisters, Virgilee (Lloyd) Conley, Gloria (William) Montgomery, Mary Lynn (Tony) Johnson, and Judy (James) Hargrove of Jefferson City, Mo.; and many adoring nieces and nephews throughout Missouri, Georgia, and Tennessee. Additionally, Ronnie leaves to mourn a host of friends and admirers. Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Mary, and brothers-in-law, Tony Johnson and James Hargrove. A private family service will be held at Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church in Holts Summit on Thursday, January 6, 2022. Following the service, friends are invited to join the family from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Jason Gymnasium on the Lincoln University campus for a "Celebration of Life". In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Ronnie Coleman Scholarship, www.jcschoolsfoundation.org/donate. Please specify the memorial gift is in honor of Ronnie Coleman. Ronnie’s service will be recorded and available for viewing. Visit his online obituary posting at www.millardfamilychapels.com. Select the “Tribute Wall” tab and click “Watch now” on the Live Webcast video player. The recording will be available within 24 hours after the service. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.