Terry Allan Coleman

Terry Allan Coleman died at his home and entered the gates of heaven on Saturday, July 30, 2022. He was born November 18, 1938, in St. Joseph, MI son of Albert and Ethel (Frost) Coleman.

Terry's father transferred with the Whirlpool Corporation to Clyde, OH, where Terry attended high school. He then attended the Ohio State University for two years before transferring to Clarkson College of Technology in Potsdam, NY. Upon graduation with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Terry accepted a job with Union Carbide in Buffalo, NY before returning to the Ohio State University to do graduate work. While visiting his sister in Perrysburg, OH, he met her roommate, his future wife, Barbara. Terry and Barbara were married on August 8, 1964, in Lakewood, OH. Barbara's teaching salary supported them for the first three years of marriage while she also typed his many papers. His next employment adventure was managing the injection molding operations of the Clyde Tool and Die Co. In 1970, Terry and Barbara welcomed their first child, David. Terry decided he wanted a job that would allow him more time at home. Later that year, he fulfilled his junior high dream by accepting a position with the Upjohn Company in Portage, MI where he worked as a chemical engineer. He continued working with Upjohn and its successor companies retiring as an associate director. He was honored during this time to be a recipient of the Upjohn Award for exemplary service.

Terry was an avid Ohio State football fan. One of his hobbies, for a season of life, was Steelhead fishing as well as making casting rods and teaching that skill to youth at church. After retirement he developed an interest in photographing nature, especially birds. He spent many hours observing and reporting data regarding the Osprey and Bluebird populations in Kalamazoo county. He also used his photography skill to capture images for several nonprofit organizations including the Kalamazoo Nature Center, the Kalamazoo Deacon's Conference, and WorldWide Lab Improvement.

Terry served on the boards of Kalamazoo Christian High School, WorldWide Lab Improvement, and International Pathology Services. In addition to board member duties, Terry provided technical support and accounting services to the latter two organizations. A highlight of his time serving with WorldWide Lab Improvement was collaborating in writing management software for mission hospitals. He was able to travel to Kabul, Afghanistan to implement the system. In recent years, Terry enjoyed assisting the Kalamazoo women's morning Bible Study Fellowship with audio and video support.

Terry's faith in Christ was important to him. He served Southern Heights Church as treasurer, deacon, elder, and small group leader. Attending Calvary Bible Church since 2008, he has served as an usher and with technical support. He was known for teaching, encouraging, and helping wherever a need was apparent within the family and throughout the community.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Brian Arra; and brothers-in-law, Richard Schaller and Douglas McCreery. Terry is survived by his wife, Barbara. Also surviving are his children, David (Tina) Coleman and Tracy Arra; grandchildren, Caroline (Levi) Woodall, Dawson, Darah, and Tayah Coleman, and Ben and Levi Arra; siblings, Arlene Schaller, Diane McCreery, and Bill (Jane) Coleman; and nieces and nephews.

A gathering will be held 4:00-6:30 pm Friday August 12, 2022, at Langeland Family Funeral Home, 3926 S. 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Funeral services will begin 11am Saturday, August 13, 2022, at Calvary Bible Church, 855 S. Drake Rd. Terry's family will receive guests at church beginning at 10am and again following the service during a light luncheon. Private graveside services will be held in Portage Central Cemetery. In lieu of flowers Terry requested that any gifts be made in the form of donations to WorldWide Lab Improvement, International Pathology Services, or Kalamazoo Women's morning Bible Study Fellowship. To view Terry's personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com