Walter R. Coleman Sr.

Walter Ray Coleman Sr. was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on Aug 31, 1931, to the union of the late George and Inez (Wade) Coleman. He was the 5th of 8 children born to this union. He departed this life on April 21, 2024 at Blue Ash Hospice of Cincinnati.

Growing up Walter attended Cincinnati Public Schools until he had to assist his father with the family business of selling and delivering coal and ice to the community. Later he enlisted in the US Air Force and served during the Korean War. Soon after his discharge, he married the late Eleanor (Thompson) Coleman. During their 40 years of matrimony, they bore 6 beautiful children: Leslie Coleman, Pamela Pegg, Walter Jr. Coleman (Karen), Valerie Coleman, Tracey Clemons (Robert Jr.), and Tashika Wilson

Walter accepted Jehovah God into his heart in 1961 as a young adult and attended the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses and their field service regularly until he was infirmed. He was a witness and true believer in Jehovah God’s word and teachings.

Walter was admired for his dedication to his family. He is so lovingly remembered for his famous chili Saturdays. He would take his family to the Lake for picnics, roller skating, drive-in movies and taught all 6 kids to drive, which was a task by its self: all with patience and a smile. He also played in several bands with his instrument of choice being the tenor saxophone. The band played on the Jerry Lewis telethon, recorded several single records, played at local Cincinnati venues and night clubs. He inspired his son Walt Jr. to follow in his musical footsteps.

Walter Sr. was employed by Briggs Manufacturing Company for several years then General Motors Corporation for 23 years until he was forced to retire early after GM Norwood plant closed in 1987. He enjoyed his early retirement.

Starting with the very first grandchild, Walter was forever known as “Nana” to them. He will forever be remembered by his family for his strong example of a dedicated father, committed husband, brother, uncle, and servant of Jehovah. He was a conservative man with a “quiet sense of humor” who believed in always practicing self-control, teaching life’s lessons, studying the Bible and the Watch Tower. The family’s three words to best describe him would be: Dedicated, Provider, and Honorable.

“Nana” may you rest in eternal peace.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor Coleman; great grandson, Taron Jr.; and seven siblings, George Jr. (Top), Willie (Bubble), Ernest, Juanita, Val Gene, Annie Ruth, and Harry.

Walter leaves to cherish his memory: his six children, Leslie, Pamela, Walter Jr. (Karen), Valerie, Tracey (Robert Jr.), and Tashika; thirteen grandchildren, Dominique, Johnny, Shaun, Tangela, Aaron, Tristen, Taron, Tania, Raichell, Brandy,             Demeico, Tony, and Lakya; thirty-one great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends, and very special bonus son, Sherman Griffin.

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