Coleman, Julian Mahlon

Julian Mahlon Coleman, of Blacksburg, died July 13, 2012, at the VA Medical Center in Salem, Va. Julian was born in Newport News on August 2, 1921 to John Mahlon Coleman and Katherine DeShazo Coleman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jack King Coleman. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dorothy Bonewell Coleman; four sons, Cy Coleman and wife, Sherry, Wayne Coleman and wife, Betty, John Coleman and wife, Debbie, and Dicky Coleman; a sister, Katherine Coleman Trimble and husband, Charlie; two grandchildren, Kimmy Bears and husband, Steve, and Jimmy Coleman; and six great-grandchildren. Julian was a World War II veteran, and Purple Heart recipient-wounded in action, Battle of the Bulge. After completing military service, he graduated from Virginia Tech in 1948 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Upon graduation, he began a 33 year career with E.I. DuPont and Co. retiring in 1981. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer, but baseball was his love, having played in high school, on various teams in the military and at Virginia Tech. A longtime member of Bon Air Baptist Church, he served as Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 859 for 17 years. He was also a coach in the Bon Air Little League for eight years. He lived his life to the fullest and leaves behind a loving family and many friends that will miss him greatly. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Lynn Stafford, caregiver for their father and mother for several years, and to the staff of the Virginia Veterans Care Center. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m .on Monday, July 16, at Bliley’s-Central, 3801 Augusta Ave. Burial services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bon Air Baptist Church, 2531 Buford Rd., Richmond, Va. 23235.