Charles E. Coleman's Obituary
On July 29, 2022 loving husband and father Charles E. Coleman went to be with the Lord at the age of 81. He was born on December 29, 1940, to Charles and Novell Coleman. He graduated from Messick High School in Memphis in 1958 and Memphis State University in 1963. He met the love of his life Jean Fitch while delivering Coca Cola to the Memphis Zoo where Jean worked. They married in 1961 and welcomed son Duane in 1964 and daughter Vicki in 1967. After 11 years of experience as an architectural draftsman, he became a licensed architect for Mahan and Shappley Architects. He rose to become a partner and then owner of the firm. Later he and then-partner Rusty Foster merged with Nathan Evans Taylor firm. His firms were responsible for many large projects in the Mid-South, both private and government. He served as president of the Tennessee chapter of the American Institute of Architects and received Tennessee’s Outstanding Achievement Award from governor Lamar Alexander. Charles was known for his incredible work ethic and leadership. After retirement in 1999, Charles enjoyed traveling and seeing great architecture around the world. Charles and Jean have been members of First Evangelical Church since the 1970s, actively praying for and supporting missionaries from their church. They also enjoyed hosting friends, family and missionaries in their home and their condo on the Gulf Coast of Florida. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, his love of family, enjoyment of golf and the camaraderie he shared with friends. Charles leaves behind his wife Jean, son Duane (Diane) Coleman, daughter Vicki (David) Frazier, four grandchildren, Daniel, Andrew, Elizabeth, Emily; sister Debra (Randy) Dove, three nephews, Josh (Leslieanne), Jeffrey, Justin (Victoria).
Memorial donations may be given to First Evangelical Church missions fund.
Visitation for Mr. Coleman will be held on Friday, August 5, 2022 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home in the Riverside Chapel. Funeral Service will be conducted on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at 1:00pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home in the Riverside Chapel. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Charles?
What’s a lesson you learned from Charles?
Share a story where Charles' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Charles you’ll never forget.
How did Charles make you smile?

